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John Lithgow Defends Dumbledore Role Amid Rowling Controversy

4/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

John Lithgow defends his role as Albus Dumbledore in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series amid controversy over J.K. Rowling's anti-trans views in an interview on The New Yorker Radio Hour.
He says much of the criticism towards Rowling is twisted and misrepresented.
He disagrees with some of Rowling's views.
He notes Rowling is not involved in production and that the Potter canon emphasizes kindness and acceptance.
The series premieres this Christmas.

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Story summary

John Lithgow defends his role as Albus Dumbledore in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series amid controversy over J.K. Rowling's anti-trans views in an interview on The New Yorker Radio Hour.
He says much of the criticism towards Rowling is twisted and misrepresented.
He disagrees with some of Rowling's views.
He notes Rowling is not involved in production and that the Potter canon emphasizes kindness and acceptance.
The series premieres this Christmas.