JK Rowling’s agent issues firm statement condemning pro-trans activists after Harry Potter stage show protest

One demonstrator wore a T-shirt emblazoned with the words: “Rowling money kills.”

In a statement, Mr Blair said the actions of the activists had endangered those attending the event, including members of the audience, the cast and theatre staff.

The protest was claimed by a group calling itself the Guild of Angry Transsexuals.

Mr Blair’s full statement, provided to Variety, read: “We respect peaceful activism and the right to express different views.

“But those rights must be exercised without putting others at risk, including audience members, performers and theatre staff, as we saw Thursday evening during the protests outside the Palace Theatre in London ahead of the gala performance of ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.'”

The protesters, several of whom also wore hats and goggles to conceal their identities, were removed from the carpet by security guards before the majority of celebrity guests had made their way into the venue.

Mr Blair added that delivering the Harry Potter experience to its fanbase remained a priority. “Above all, we want to continue bringing the magic of Harry Potter to the wonderful fans who have supported and embraced this world for so many years,” he said.

“Every fan deserves to enjoy the magic of Harry Potter in an atmosphere of respect and security, and we remain committed to keeping live theatre a welcoming and safe experience for everyone.”

The Guild of Angry Transsexuals, which took credit for organising the demonstration, issued its own statement to Variety.

A participant identified only as Thea said: “We took action to make attendees of Rowling’s ‘Cursed Child’ [aware] that by continuing to fund her media and entertainment empire, they directly fund the legal attack on trans people, their rights and private lives.”

The protests come after Ms Rowling has, in recent years, funded legal efforts connected to women’s rights.

She has also been an outspoken critic of self-declared gender identity, a position that has drawn persistent accusations of transphobia. The author has consistently denied those allegations.

The gala on Thursday was to mark the London premiere of a reworked version of the production, which has been trimmed from its original two-part format spanning more than five hours to a single performance running close to three hours.

The play, written by Jack Thorne from a story developed with Ms Rowling and director John Tiffany, first opened in the West End in 2016.

Among the celebrities walking the red carpet were television presenters Vanessa Feltz, Angellica Bell and Richard Arnold, along with The Chase star Anne Hegerty.