Pedro Pascal Opens Up About Calling J.K. Rowling’s Anti-Trans Remarks “Heinous Loser Behavior”: “Am I Actually Helping?”

Pedro Pascal is known for playing fearless characters on screen—from The Mandalorian to The Last of Us—but off screen, he’s equally unafraid to speak his mind. And when it comes to standing up for the transgender community, the actor has made it clear: he won’t stay silent.

In a recent interview with Variety, Pascal reflected on a moment that sent waves across social media last year when he publicly slammed author J.K. Rowling for her anti-trans rhetoric. In an emotionally charged post at the time, Pascal called Rowling’s comments “heinous LOSER behavior”—a phrase that quickly went viral.

But now, months later, Pascal admits he wrestled internally with how he approached the situation.

“Am I Actually Helping?”

Speaking candidly to Variety, Pascal said the weight of the issue kept him up at night.

“The one thing that I would say I agonized over a little bit was just, ‘Am I helping? Am I f***ing helping?’” he said. “It’s a situation that deserves the utmost elegance so that something can actually happen, and people will actually be protected.”

Pascal clarified that while his reaction was instinctive and fueled by anger, he wishes the tone had been more constructive.

“I want to protect the people I love,” he continued. “I want to defend people who are under attack. But sometimes, emotion gets ahead of strategy.”

Standing Up, But Rethinking Approach

For Pascal, advocacy for trans rights is deeply personal. The actor has been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community for years, largely influenced by his close relationship with his sister, Lux Pascal, a transgender actress and activist.

Pascal said that while he doesn’t regret speaking out against hate speech, he now understands that messaging matters—especially when trying to reach people who might not yet grasp the seriousness of trans discrimination.

“Bullies make me f***ing sick,” he stated bluntly. “I hate it. I hate watching powerful people punch down.”

Still, he’s now taking time to reflect on how to use his platform most effectively.

“I’m learning. Every day. There’s a way to fight that doesn’t just fuel the fire. I want to be part of actual change.”

Social Media’s Double-Edged Sword

Pascal’s viral tweet calling Rowling a “loser” ignited fierce debate online. Supporters praised him for speaking truth to power, while critics accused him of engaging in the same kind of name-calling he condemned.

Now, looking back, Pascal says he understands the criticism.

“I don’t want this to be about me being right or wrong. I want it to be about trans kids being safe. About trans people getting to live their lives without fear.”

Pascal acknowledged that social media outrage often makes real dialogue harder.

“Everything turns into sides. Into a war. And what gets lost is the humanity.”

J.K. Rowling Controversy Continues

Rowling’s history of controversial statements about transgender issues has divided fans of the Harry Potter franchise and beyond. Her comments have led to boycotts, protests, and intense online arguments. Major stars from the film series—including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint—have all spoken out in support of trans rights, distancing themselves from Rowling’s views.

Pascal joins a growing list of celebrities choosing to use their platforms to advocate for inclusion, but he hopes future conversations can be less about scoring points and more about building understanding.

“At the end of the day, this isn’t about celebrities fighting on Twitter,” Pascal said. “It’s about making sure no kid feels like their life doesn’t matter.”

A Promise for the Future

Pascal concluded the interview by reaffirming his commitment to standing up for marginalized communities, especially the transgender community.

“If I say the wrong thing, I’ll own it. If I come off too angry, I’ll learn from it. But I won’t stay quiet. Not now. Not ever.”

For fans of Pascal, the message is clear: The fight for equality is personal, ongoing, and, in his own words, non-negotiable.