Sir Stephen Fry has become the latest Harry Potter alumnus to turn his back on author JK Rowling, accusing her of being “radicalised” and calling her views on transgender people “cruel” and “mocking”.

The 66-year-old actor, comedian and broadcaster – who narrated the audiobooks for all seven Harry Potter novels – said he used to be close to Rowling but has been deeply disturbed by her recent comments and online activity.

Speaking on The Show People podcast, Fry said: “She has been radicalised, I fear – perhaps by TERFs, [trans-exclusionary radical feminist] but also by the vitriol that is thrown at her. It is unhelpful and only hardens her. I’m afraid she seems to be a lost cause for us.”

Fry, who is gay and a long-time advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, said Rowling’s stance has left him angry and saddened, particularly her refusal to distance herself from the more extreme rhetoric shared by some of her supporters.

“She started to make these peculiar statements and had very strong, difficult views,” he said. “She seemed to kick a hornet’s nest of transphobia that has been entirely destructive.”

Stephen Fry says he ‘disagrees proundly’ with JK Rowling’s views

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“I disagree profoundly with her on this subject. She says things that are inflammatory, contemptuous and mocking. They add to a terribly distressing time for trans people.”