Paapa Essiedu defends his casting in Harry Potter series after ‘racist abuse’

Addressing the furore surrounding the author JK Rowling’s gender-critical views, the 36-year-old actor defended taking on the role of Severus Snape, emphasising that he prefers to focus on articulating his own personal values and the "creed by which [he] lives".

The I May Destroy You star - who previously backed an open letter supporting the transgender, non-binary, and intersex community shortly after joining the production - clarified his stance in Vanity Fair’s latest issue.

“I have been super clear about my position on this topic, and that is the reason why she spoke out about me,” he said.

“I’m really keen not to make a kind of ‘them and us’ dynamic here. I’m not really here to speak about Jo’s politics or to be a mouthpiece for her. I can only be really, really clear about what I believe and be consistent with that.

“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.”

Paapa Essiedu defending his casting in the upcoming Harry Potter series

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Essiedu added: "That’s what I believe, and that’s the way that I choose to live my life. That’s the creed by which I live."

He maintained that the new television adaptation "has the potential to do really, really, really beautiful things" due to the positive messages about “forgiveness” and “good over evil” embedded within the narrative.

Despite encountering racist abuse following his casting announcement, Essiedu expressed gratitude for the supportive messages he has received from fans.

The actor was among more than 400 prominent public figures who signed a petition demanding that the UK entertainment industry guarantee protections for transgender individuals, following a Supreme Court decision ruling that a woman is defined by biological sex.

Rowling subsequently insisted she would not seek his removal from the television adaptation. Responding on X to an article questioning whether she would attempt to oust him over his views, the author wrote:

"I don't have the power to sack an actor from the series, and I wouldn't exercise it if I did.

JK Rowling has sparked controversy with her gender-critical views

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"I don't believe in taking away people’s jobs or livelihoods because they hold legally protected beliefs that differ from mine."

Speaking about the backlash, HBO chief Casey Bloys said productions of this scale often attract intense reactions from fans, and measures had been put in place to protect those involved.

“With all actors on any kind of big IP shows — and this is obviously one where you’ve got passionate fans with a lot of opinions — it can get scary in places,” he told Variety.

“We anticipated it and tried to have training… best practices in terms of social media and how to handle it. And obviously, we’ve got a serious security team.”

Discussing the death threats he has received, Essiedu said: “I’m pretty sure I’m not going to be murdered — though maybe that will age badly,” he said. “Nobody should have to encounter this for doing their job.

“Many people put their lives on the line in their work. I’m playing a wizard in Harry Potter. And I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t affect me emotionally.”