Emma Watson is opening up about her complicated relationship with Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling. "I think it's my deepest wish that I hope people who don't agree with my opinion will love me, and I hope I can keep loving people who I don't necessarily share the same opinion with," Watson, 35, shared on the Wednesday, September 24, episode of the "On Purpose With Jay Shetty" podcast. "I think that's a very, very important way for me that I need to be able to move through life." In 2020, Rowling, 60, made headlines after she posted a series of tweets and an essay that many criticized as transphobic. Watson seemingly responded to the messages by writing on social media, "Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren't who they say they are." Emma Watson Gives 1st Major Interview in Years: The Biggest Revelations In a rare interview with host Jay Shetty, Watson said she will "always" be open to talking with Rowling because she believes having conversations "are really important." She also can't deny the positive experiences she had playing Hermione Granger in all eight Harry Potter movies from 2001 to 2011. "I can love her. I can know she loved me. I can be grateful to her," Watson shared. "I can know the things that she said are true, and there can be this whole other thing and my job feels like to just hold all of it. But the bigger thing is just what she's done will never be taken away from me." J.K. Rowling and Emma Watson David M. Benett/Getty Images for Lumos Watson has been on a hiatus from acting for seven years. During that time, Rowling has spoken out against both the actress and her costar Daniel Radcliffe for supporting trans rights. In April 2024, Rowling even suggested that she would "never forgive" the actors for their views. In her latest interview, Watson explained why she hasn't always spoken out publicly about the situation. J.K. Rowling's Most Controversial Moments Through the Years "I just don't want to say anything that continues to weaponize a really toxic debate and conversation, which is maybe why - well it is why - I don't comment or continue to comment," she said. "Not because I don't care about her or about the issue, but because the way that the conversation is being had feels really painful to me." Through all the ups and downs, Watson said she continues to hold onto positive memories she shared with Rowling. At this time, she has no plans to forget about them. "I really don't believe that by having had that experience and holding the love and support and views that I have, means that I can't and don't treasure Jo and the person that I had personal experiences with. I will never believe that one negates the other and that my experience of that person, I don't get to keep and cherish."