• Pedro Pascal wore a shirt that said ‘Protect the Dolls’ to the Thunderbolts premiere
  • Later, Pascal slammed author J.K. Rowling for her comments on transgender legislation
  • But what did she say, and why did he condemn her?
Pedro Pascal wore a Protect The Dolls t shirt at the Thunderbolts* premiere. J.K. Rowling
Pedro Pascal wore a Protect The Dolls t shirt at the Thunderbolts* premiere. Credit: Imago

Thunderbolts star Pedro Pascal, 50, broke the internet when he wore a Protect The Dolls shirt to the movie premiere on 22 April. However, Pascal isn’t all nice, as he slammed author J.K. Rowling, 59, for her comment left under a post about transgender people.

The Last of Us star has been actively supportive of the trans community, and his shirt choice shows that. The phrase ‘protect the dolls’ is a common phrase used in connection with promoting the protection of transgender people and their rights. He has a personal connection to the community, as his sister, Lux Pascal, 32, is a transgender woman.

Now, you may’ve thought Rowling had criticized Pascal for his shirt, which prompted him to get feisty, but it wasn’t directed towards him.

Read more: Pedro Pascal speaks out on The Last of Us twist

See what he said here and why he called her out on her comments.

What did J.K. Rowling say?

J.K. Rowling Pedro Pascal
Pascal called out Rowling in a comment. Credit: IMAGO

Rowling expressed her support for a recent UK Supreme Court ruling that transgender women who have a gender recognition certificate are not women by law.

Via the Equality Act 2010, the definition of a woman is limited to biological women only.

On X, she responded with her thoughts on the ruling. In a post, the 59-year-old wrote: “I love it when a plan comes together.”

Along with the post is a picture of the author smoking a cigar with a drink in hand.

For context, Rowling has been outspoken about her views on the transgender community and the debates around gender identity for years. As a result, many fans of the Harry Potter series and former actors have turned away from her.

Many stars, such as Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe, have voiced support for the transgender community.

How did Pedro Pascal respond to her comments?

Pedro Pascal J.K. Rowling
Pedro Pascal plays Mister Fantastic in The Fantastic Four: First Steps Credit: Imago

In a comment on an Instagram post, Pascal savagely called the author a “heinous loser”.

Ouch!

He left the comment under activist Tariq Raouf’s Instagram post. Raouf made a post that encouraged his followers to boycott any products associated with Harry Potter and Rowling.

Raouf wrote in the caption, “Don’t watch the show. Don’t go to Universal. Don’t buy a single Harry Potter thing ever. It’s time to tell these corporations that transphobia loses money.”

Pascal shared his comment, “Awful disgusting S*** is exactly right. Heinous LOSER behaviour,” the Last Of Us Star wrote.

Rowling has not yet responded to Pascal’s remarks.

How did fans react?

Since the comments from both parties are considered controversial, the online reactions were mixed.

Unimpressed with Pedro Pascal

Some users were not happy with Pascal. On X, one person wrote in a comment, “Who cares what this guy thinks?”

Well, opinions are opinions!

“He wishes he was as iconic as J.K. Rowling,” another user said.

“It kinda sucks that Pedro is so hateful,” a third user said.

Some users agreed with him

On the other hand, other users agreed with Pascal’s comments and his viewpoint.

“Pedro Pascal with another based take,” wrote another user.

Another posted a photo of Pascal from the Thunderbolts premiere and said, “Pedro, you’re doing amazing, sweetie.”

Meanwhile, a user had a lesson for commentators and wrote, “In a world of J.K. Rowlings, be a Pedro Pascal.”

If Rowling responds, we will update you.

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Sophie Humphrey
Sophie Humphrey is a freelance writer and journalist. Sophie has seven years experience in journalism and has a keen interest in pop culture and entertainment. Sophie has worked for the likes of Time Out London, The Upcoming and Screen rant.
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