British actor Paapa Essiedu has been branded a 'hypocrite and sellout' by some online critics who questioned his decision to play Professor Severus Snape in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter adaptation despite his public support for transgender rights. The criticism follows an interview in which the actor reaffirmed his belief that trans people deserve respect and dignity but declined to discuss author J.K. Rowling.
The actor has also faced racist abuse and death threats following his casting as Snape. While acknowledging that audiences can legitimately criticise his performance and the production, he has distinguished such criticism from abuse directed at him because of his race.
Fans Question His Decision To Join Harry Potter
One particularly critical commenter accused the actor of hypocrisy over his decision to take the role despite his position on trans rights. The user wrote: 'Okay but he like still took the role... so he's a hypocrite and a sellout.'
Okay but he like still took the role… so he’s a hypocrite and a sellout
— aries moon scorpio rising mars energy (@confusedtreez) November 10, 2026
Another commenter questioned why Essiedu agreed to join the production if he was uncomfortable discussing Rowling and her views. 'If you are so against J.K. Rowling, then WHY DID YOU ACCEPT THE F*****G ACTING JOB ON HARRY POTTER!!! Goddamn attention whore,' the commenter posted.
The criticism also extended to viewers who have vowed not to support the adaptation. A commenter argued that Essiedu should expect questions about Rowling after voluntarily joining the franchise. 'If he didn't want to talk about JK Rowling, maybe he shouldn't have willingly joined her Harry Potter franchise,' the user wrote. The commenter added that everyone involved in the production 'deserves to be questioned and pressed about Rowling's rottenness'.
Essiedu Stands by His Support for Trans People
In his interview with a publication, Essiedu was asked about the controversy surrounding Rowling and his involvement in the Harry Potter adaptation. The actor, who previously signed an open letter supporting the trans, non-binary and intersex communities, declined to discuss the author.
'I don't want to talk about Jo at all,' Essiedu responded. He then reaffirmed his beliefs, saying transgender and queer people deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and safety. 'I believe, in my bones, that trans people, queer people, people of all creeds and colour have got the right to be treated with respect and dignity and safety at all times — whether they're in the workplace, whether they're at home or in the street, whatever,' he said.
Essiedu explained that he did not want to create an 'us and them' dynamic or act as a spokesperson for Rowling's political views. He also acknowledged that some Harry Potter fans have a deeply personal connection to the original books and may worry that the new adaptation could take something away from what they love. He stressed that this was not his intention and recognised that viewers were entitled to their own reactions.
Rowling previously addressed Essiedu's support for transgender rights, saying she did not have the power to sack him from the production and would not do so even if she could. She added that she did not believe in taking away people's jobs or livelihoods because they held legally protected beliefs that differed from her own.
“Harry Potter” star Paapa Essiedu says he “wouldn’t have taken this job on” if he couldn’t handle the Snape casting backlash:
— Variety (@Variety) October 30, 2026
“Obviously, my priority is the work. I wouldn’t take this job on [otherwise], but I walk into it with open eyes. I understand the broad spectrum of what… pic.twitter.com/Tmfh5Q7psF
Rowling Controversy Continues To Follow HBO Series
The disagreement reflects a broader debate among some fans over whether actors can separate their involvement in the franchise from Rowling's public positions on transgender rights. Another critic questioned Essiedu's attitude towards the author, writing: 'J.K. Rowling got him a job, and he's treating her like that.'
Despite the controversy, Essiedu has previously said he is proud of the project and understands the range of reactions surrounding it. HBO's Harry Potter series is scheduled to premiere on Christmas Day, 25 December.
