Eddie Redmayne faces backlash after blasting 'absolutely disgusting' online 'vitriol' against JK Rowling

Eddie Redmayne has described the ongoing backlash JK Rowling has faced on social media as “absolutely disgusting” after she made a series of comments in which her language was received to be anti-trans.

The 38-year-old, who is currently filming the third instalment in Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them franchise, said he had since written the author, 55, “a private note” following the slew of abuse the star received on social media.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Redmayne explained that he had been “alarmed” by the “vitriol hurled at Rowling”, describing it as “absolutely disgusting”.

However, Redmayne added that he himself did not agree with Rowling’s own controversial views, saying the abuse trans people receive online is “equally disgusting.”

The star, who was nominated for the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of transgender artist Lili Elbe in 2015’s The Danish Girl, said he has many “trans friends and colleagues who are having their human rights challenged around the world and facing discrimination on a daily basis.”

“There continues to be a hideous torrent of abuse towards trans people online and out in the world that is devastating,” he added.

Redmayne had previously distanced himself from Rowling, after the writer caused outrage with a series of posts on menstruation and gender identity – with many considering her rhetoric to be “anti-trans”.

In a statement issued to Variety back in June, the actor said: “Respect for transgender people remains a cultural imperative, and over the years I have been trying to constantly educate myself.

“This is an ongoing process. As someone who has worked with both J.K. Rowling and members of the trans community, I wanted to make it absolutely clear where I stand. I disagree with Jo’s comments.

“Trans women are women, trans men are men and non-binary identities are valid. I would never want to speak on behalf of the community but I do know that my dear transgender friends and colleagues are tired of this constant questioning of their identities, which all too often results in violence and abuse.

“They simply want to live their lives peacefully, and it’s time to let them do so.”

Other Harry Potter stars, including Daniel Radcliffe and Evanna Lynch, have criticised Rowling.

However, Redmayne’s latest comments have prompted backlash online, with many angry that the star appears to have equated the ongoing abuse of transgender individuals to Rowling’s trolling, with many taking to Twitter to slam the star.

Several social media users criticised Redmayne for “cashing in” by playing a transgender woman in The Danish Girl, while others were disappointed Redmayne did not take a stronger stance against Rowling’s comments.