While attending the UK premiere of Thunderbolts on April 22, 2025, Pascal wore a “Protect the Dolls” t-shirt, a pointed show of solidarity following controversial statements from Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling.
Rowling recently praised a U.K. Supreme Court ruling that interprets the terms “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act to mean biological women and sex assigned at birth—legislation widely criticized as anti-trans. Sharing a photo of herself smoking a cigar, Rowling captioned the post, “I love it when a plan comes together,” a quote from The A-Team, with hashtags #SupremeCourt and #WomensRights.
Actor and activist Tariq Ra’ouf called the post “some serious Voldemort villain s–t,” accusing Rowling of fueling hatred and misinformation about the trans community.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIjNBarpEqS/
Pascal responded directly to Ra’ouf’s Instagram Reel, calling Rowling’s celebration “heinous LOSER behavior” and agreeing with the sentiment that her actions were “awful disgusting s–t.”
Pascal has long supported LGBTQ+ rights and has spoken publicly about his sister, Lux Pascal, who came out as a transgender woman in 2021. He previously condemned anti-trans rhetoric in February 2025, saying, “I can’t think of anything more vile and small and pathetic than terrorizing the smallest, most vulnerable community.”
Also speaking out was Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan, who dismissed Rowling’s new Harry Potter projects, saying, “Wouldn’t touch it with a 10-foot pole.”
Pascal’s vocal support has further solidified his role as one of Hollywood’s most outspoken allies for trans rights.