Pedro Pascal has openly rejected the media portrayal of him as a ‘highly private person’, clarifying in a recent interview with Vanity Fair that he feels quite the opposite: ‘I’m very unprivate in my private life.’ While he prefers to keep certain personal details such as his intimate relationships away from the public eye due to their inherent complexity and sensitivity—particularly under the intense scrutiny fame brings—he is far from silent when it comes to social issues close to his heart.
And the main social issue he’s concerned with is that of how trans people are being treated right now. The actor made headlines following a controversial social media post by J.K. Rowling, who celebrated a UK Supreme Court decision ruling that transgender women are not legally recognised as women under the Equality Act. The tweet in question featured Rowling with a drink in one hand and a cigar in the other, captioned with a 1980s TV reference implying satisfaction with the ruling affecting transgender rights.
Pascal responded strongly to the author’s stance by calling her actions ‘awful disgusting SH-T’ and ‘heinous LOSER behavior’, comments made under an Instagram post by activist Tariq Ra’ouf who condemned Rowling’s influence on the court decision. This response quickly went viral, underscoring Pascal’s refusal to remain quiet on matters he finds unjust. Speaking to Vanity Fair, Pascal admitted to feeling vulnerable after speaking out—’like that kid that got sent to the principal’s office a lot for behavioral issues’—and he grappled with whether his intervention would genuinely help those affected. ‘I agonized over a little bit… “Am I helping? Am I f–king helping?”‘ he said.
Pascal’s advocacy is deeply personal. His sister, Lux Pascal, is a transgender woman, which amplifies his commitment to trans rights. He expressed a heartfelt desire to protect not just those he loves but also vulnerable communities broadly, stating, ‘Bullies make me f–king sick.’ His comments highlight a moral stance against transphobia and the harm caused by public figures perpetuating it.
The controversy surrounding Rowling’s tweets and the UK Supreme Court ruling has sparked widespread debate about legal definitions of womanhood and transgender recognition. Many have criticised Rowling’s role, noting her financial involvement with campaigns that influenced the court decision, which activists argue undermines transgender rights and protections. Pascal’s vocal rejection of these positions situates him among a cohort of celebrities using their platforms to support LGBTQ+ communities and push back against what they view as regressive rhetoric.
Source: Noah Wire Services
