Actress Keira Knightly is facing fresh backlash over footage that shows her laughing during a question about JK Rowling’s trans views.

In September, it was announced that Knightley, 40, would be starring in the upcoming audiobook Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions, voicing the loathed character of villainous Hogwarts headmistress, Professor Umbrage.

Knightley defended her decision to participate in the franchise during in an interview with Decider, stating that she was “not aware” of calls to boycott the project due to author JK Rowling’s outspoken, ‘gender-critical’ views about the transgender community.

“I was not aware of that, no. I’m very sorry,” she said, adding that she hoped people with differing opinions could “find respect” for one another.

@deciderdotcom Keira Knightley says she "was not aware" of any #HarryPotter boycott when she signed on to voice Professor Umbridge in Audible's upcoming seven-part audio book adaptation of the J.K. Rowling series. #keiraknightley #professorumbridge #jkrowling ♬ original sound – Decider

But she is now facing fresh backlash following footage of her response being shared online. 

The video, shared by the outlet, shows Knightley letting out a laugh after saying she was “very sorry”. She also laughs after suggesting “we’re all going to have to figure out how to live together”. 

Although laughter can be caused by nerves, comments under the footage are united in the belief that Knightley wasn’t being genuine in her apology.

‘This is the worst answer’

One person wrote in a comment that gained more than 16,000 likes, “That laugh says NOT sorry”. 

“It’s the little laugh/scoff that got me, like a teenager apologising when they get told off for talking. They don’t really mean it, just know its easier to say the words,” another comment read. 

A comment with almost 500 likes reads: “Is she laughing??? Gosh this is the worst answer”. 

Even Knightley’s fans struggled to make sense of her laughter, “so sad, I love Keira Knightley, but her laugh answering that is something shocking”. 

Someone else shared what they took from the footage: “Translation: Keira Knightley doesn’t care about trans people.” 

Other actors involved in the audio project include Kit Harington, Hugh Laurie, Matthew Macfadyen, Riz Amed, and Cush Jumbo.

Iwan Rheon, Ruth Wilson, Ambika Mod, Leo Woodall, Simon Pegg, James McAvoy, Gemma Whelan, and Matt Berry will also star. None of the other actors involved in the audio series have commented on Rowling’s stance on the trans community.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

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