Trans rights protesters disrupt opening of U.K.'s largest Harry Potter store in London

The grand opening of the U.K.'s largest Harry Potter store on London's Oxford Street was disrupted by transgender rights protesters, according to The Hollywood Reporter and Variety. The store spans 21,000 square feet across two floors at The Ribbon development.

A group of around a dozen to sixteen protesters gathered outside the store carrying signs with messages such as “protect trans lives” and “stop funding trans erasure,” as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and Deadline. They used megaphones to lead chants including “trans rights are human rights” and told customers entering the store that they should reconsider supporting the franchise.

The protesters also drew the trans flag and messages like “Buy another author” and “Harry Potter isn’t the only kids’ book” on the sidewalk in chalk, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Police were called and stationed outside the store during the event.

Film stars Tom Felton and Warwick Davis attended the opening, with Davis set to reprise his role in an upcoming HBO TV adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

The protests relate to ongoing controversy surrounding author J.K. Rowling, who has faced criticism for her views on transgender issues and her creation of a legal fund supporting anti-transgender policies in Britain, according to The Hollywood Reporter and Variety. Rowling's team declined to comment on the protests.

Variety noted that despite the protests, the queue of fans waiting to enter the store was long and mostly ignored the demonstration. One activist stated that the protests aimed to raise awareness of the impact of Rowling’s views on trans people.

The controversy has been renewed by the upcoming HBO TV series adaptation of the franchise, as mentioned by The Hollywood Reporter.