Scottish actor Sean Biggerstaff, best known for his role as Oliver Wood in the Harry Potter film series, is standing firm in his support for the trans community—and he’s not holding back when it comes to clapping back at critics.
Sean Biggerstaff as Oliver Wood in ‘Harry Potter.’ Photo: Warner Bros.
The 42-year-old actor became the target of online abuse last week after responding to gender-critical commentary in the wake of the UK Supreme Court’s ruling that the legal definition of “woman” refers solely to “biological women,” thereby excluding trans women. The ruling sparked widespread debate, and Biggerstaff joined the growing number of voices speaking out in support of transgender rights.
Responding to Graham Linehan’s Criticism
Biggerstaff’s public statement came in response to TV writer and anti-trans activist Graham Linehan, who posted a photo of Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint—actors who have all previously voiced support for the trans community. In his post, Linehan took aim at the trio’s criticism of Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, who has become a prominent figure in the UK’s gender-critical movement.
“Wonder how these disloyal bags of sh*t are doing today,” Linehan wrote.
Biggerstaff, never one to mince words, replied:
“You don’t have to wonder. You know what they’re doing – leading happy and successful lives, having not driven their families away with their hateful obsessions.”
You don’t have to wonder. You know what they’re doing – leading happy and successful lives, having not driven their families away with their hateful obsessions. pic.twitter.com/8ExlSnXcbq
— Sean Biggerstaff (@Seanchuckle) April 17, 2025
His comment, which referenced Linehan’s widely publicized fallout with his family and career, quickly went viral—garnering over two million views on X (formerly Twitter).
Standing His Ground
In the days that followed, Biggerstaff was bombarded with backlash from gender-critical users, many of whom accused him of being ungrateful to Rowling and suggested that his career was solely the result of her influence.
One commenter labeled him a “pr*ck,” claiming he owed his fame “entirely to Rowling.” Biggerstaff responded with sharp wit:
“Is there any other area of work/life where people regularly suggest that you owe eternal fealty to any former colleague whose success you have benefited from, regardless of subsequent events?”
Is there any other area of work/life where people regularly suggest that you owe eternal fealty to any former colleague whose success you have benefited from, regardless of subsequent events? https://t.co/Gq5sE3i0EP
— Sean Biggerstaff (@Seanchuckle) April 22, 2025
Another critic accused him of being “shameful, unnecessary, and ungrateful” because Rowling “gave him the opportunity to be who he is.” Biggerstaff fired back:
“Wait, does everyone think Jo Rowling came down to my school or youth club and personally picked me out of total obscurity or something?”
Wait, does everyone think Jo Rowling came down to my school or youth club and personally picked me out of total obscurity or something? https://t.co/3G3Kynm1gT
— Sean Biggerstaff (@Seanchuckle) April 22, 2025
A Career That Predates Hogwarts
Biggerstaff also reminded fans—and detractors—that his acting career began well before he stepped onto the Quidditch pitch.
Before his debut as Oliver Wood in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in 2001, he had already earned roles in British television and film. He appeared alongside Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson in the 1997 film The Winter Guest, and starred in the BBC adaptation of The Crow Road alongside Peter Capaldi.
Though his Harry Potter role brought him international attention, Biggerstaff only appeared in three of the eight franchise films.
When asked if he’d stopped accepting earnings from his Harry Potter work as a form of protest, Biggerstaff responded with biting sarcasm:
“Absolutely yeah. I figured, if ever I’m not keen on anything Jo’s said, it’s only right that Warner Bros Inc keep hold of the money they owe me. This is obviously sane.”
Absolutely yeah. I figured, if ever I’m not keen on anything Jo’s said, it’s only right that Warner Bros Inc keep hold of the money they owe me. This is obviously sane. https://t.co/PnrWADNt00
— Sean Biggerstaff (@Seanchuckle) April 22, 2025
Rowling Celebrates Court Ruling
Meanwhile, J.K. Rowling marked the UK Supreme Court’s ruling with a celebratory post of her own, featuring a cocktail and a cigar. She captioned the photo: “I love it when a plan comes together,” and declared the day “TERF VE Day,” comparing the ruling to the end of a war.
The author has also since called for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to apologize for his past support of the trans community. A spokesperson for Number 10 confirmed on April 22 that Starmer no longer believes trans women are women, drawing further backlash from LGBTQ+ rights groups.
