Actor Rupert Grint, who appeared in all eight Harry Potter films and the recent 20th anniversary reunion special on HBO Max, has written in a new op-ed about his complicated relationship with JK Rowling, the problematic author who created the series. Rowling, who has faced criticism over her comments about sex and gender issues, was present in HBO special only via archival clips.

Throughout Grint’s pieces for The Times, Grint likens Rowling to his aunt: “I don’t necessarily agree with everything my auntie says, but she’s still my auntie… it’s a tricky one.” Grint was memorably among the Harry Potter franchise stars who quickly spoke out in support of the trans community in response to Rowling’s comments.

Despite Rowling’s divisive comments, she continues to write the screenplays for the Fantastic Beasts movies, including the upcoming Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, which is due to be in theaters on April 15.

Grint told Esquire in 2021 that he still struggles to reconcile his relationship with Rowling, and whether speaking out was the right thing to do. Said Grint, “Sometimes silence is even louder. I felt like I had to because I think it was important to. I mean, I don’t want to talk about all that… Generally, I’m not an authority on the subject… Just out of kindness, and just respecting people, I think it’s a valuable group that I think needs standing up for.”

Elsewhere in The Times piece, Grint says playing Ron Weasley “definitely sculpted who I am.”