Part 5/11:
Rowling's rebuttal was fiercely personal and explicit. She criticized Watson for participating in what she called the "witch trials" of her opinions, accusing her of publicly damaging her reputation during her most vulnerable moments—specifically during the height of threats and harassment she faced over her comments on biological sex and transgender rights. Rowling also expressed frustration over Watson's seeming inconsistency, suggesting that Watson's recent conciliatory words might be motivated by a desire to regain favor or secure future opportunities.