The Ethical Dilemma of ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ and J.K. Rowling’s Controversies

The enduring popularity of the Harry Potter franchise continues with the stage production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, but its success is increasingly shadowed by the controversies surrounding author J.K. Rowling and her public stance on transgender rights. The play’s financial ties to Rowling raise ethical questions for audiences, performers, and the theater industry, prompting a debate about separating art from the artist and the consequences of supporting work that indirectly funds potentially harmful ideologies.

Financial Ties to J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling continues to profit significantly from the ongoing success of the Harry Potter franchise, including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. In 2023, Deadline reported that Rowling earned £8.25 million (approximately €9.4 million) from the production. As a rights holder and having been involved in script development, Rowling receives 31% of the net profit, a percentage that increases to 41% with greater success, as noted in a New York Times article from 2018.

Rowling’s Controversial Stances

Rowling has faced widespread criticism for her views on transgender issues. She has publicly supported groups opposing the legal definition of a woman to include transgender women, and donated £70,000 (roughly €83,000) to For Women Scotland, an anti-transgender organization, according to reports from April 2025. She also founded the J.K. Rowling Women’s Fund in May 2025, which aims to provide legal support for individuals and organizations advocating for what she terms “gender-based women’s rights.” A ruling by the British Supreme Court, supported by Rowling, stated that the term “woman” in the Equality Act refers only to biological women, potentially excluding transgender women from single-sex spaces.

Impact on the Theater Industry

The Dutch production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, presented by Stage Entertainment, has seen record ticket sales, with 35,000 tickets sold in just three days. This success benefits both Stage Entertainment and Rowling. The production presents a moral dilemma for those involved, from performers to audience members, as contributing to its success indirectly supports Rowling’s activities. Actors, particularly those early in their careers, may feel pressured to accept roles for financial stability, even if they disagree with Rowling’s views. The responsibility ultimately lies with Stage Entertainment’s management, who knowingly brought the production to the Netherlands despite Rowling’s well-documented views.

The Broader Ethical Considerations

The situation raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of artists, producers, and audiences. Whereas artistic merit should be considered, the financial implications of supporting a production linked to controversial figures cannot be ignored. Critics face the challenge of reviewing the artistic value of the play while acknowledging its material consequences. The debate highlights the complex relationship between art, commerce, and social responsibility.

Changes to the Production

In recent years, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been adapted into a single two-act production, clocking in at 175 minutes with an interval, making it more accessible to audiences. This change follows a similar adaptation on Broadway.