Ralph Fiennes Calls 'Verbal Abuse' Directed at J.K. Rowling 'Disgusting' and 'Appalling'

Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images; Dia Dipasupil/Getty ImagesHarry PotteractorRalph Fienneshas come toJ.K. Rowling’s defense again.In a new interview with theNew York Timespublished Saturday, the 59-year-old actor, who plays Tom Riddle / Lord Voldemort in the final fiveHarry Potterfilms, said the “verbal abuse directed at [Rowling] is disgusting, it’s appalling,” in reaction to continued controversy thePotterauthor generates on social media regarding her stances on the transgender community.“J.K. Rowling has written these great books about empowerment, about young children finding themselves as human beings,” Fiennes told the outlet.

Ralph Fiennes Praises 'The Menu' Costar Anya Taylor-Joy: She 'Really Raises Your Game'

InThe Menu, Fiennes plays a mysterious chef at a highly exclusive island restaurant who crafts a delectable lineup of dishes for his guests. As Taylor-Joy’s character soon comes to discover, the dining experience has some deadly twists in store. The cast also includes Nicholas Hoult, Hong Chau, Janet McTeer, Judith Light, John Leguizamo, Reed Birney and more. Speaking at PEOPLE andEntertainment Weekly’s photo and video studio at the 2022Toronto International Film Festivalon Saturday alongside director Mark Mylod, Fiennes, 59, said he couldn’t pick a “best” out of the “wonderful, brilliant” cast of actors.

Ralph Fiennes Recalls Maggie Smith's 'Lethal Sense of Humor' During a PivotalHarry PotterScene: 'One of Our Great Greats'

Ralph Fiennes (left); Maggie Smith.Photo:Andreas Rentz/Getty; Mike Marsland/WireImage Andreas Rentz/Getty; Mike Marsland/WireImage Ralph Fiennesis remembering legendary British actress DameMaggie Smith.Fiennes, who played Voldemort intheHarry Potterfilms, recently honored Smith following herdeath at age 89 in September.“I have to say I never worked with Maggie much, except onHarry Potter,” theConclavestar, 61, toldEntertainment Tonight. “But she had a wonderful, rather lethal sense of humor.”He remembered one particular day they were filming aHarry Potterbattle scene.

Randi Mahomes Raves Over Daughter-in-Law Brittany'sSI SwimsuitIssue Debut: 'I'm in Awe of Her' (Exclusive)

Randi Mahomesis celebrating her daughter-in-law’s latest photoshoot. At the NFL honors on Thursday, the mother of NFL starPatrick Mahomesshares exclusively with PEOPLE that she is in “awe” of his wifeBrittany Mahomesafter she made herSports Illustrated Swimsuitissue debut. “I’ve seen all the pictures. I’ve seen all of that. I’m just in awe of her,” Randi, 48, tells PEOPLE. The grandmother of two also shared how regimented Brittany, 28, treats her diet. “She’s so disciplined.

Raphael Warnock vs. Herschel Walker: How Today's Georgia Runoff Election Could Impact You

Raphael Warnock, Herschel Walker.Photo: Prince Williams/Wireimage; Cindy Ord/Getty The way the Senate currently stands gives Democrats a slight advantage. Even at a 50-50 party split, Vice PresidentKamala Harris, as Senate president, can cast a tie-breaking vote — giving her party the edge on a technicality. But if Warnock were to win the Georgia Senate race on Tuesday, Democrats would secure a 51-49 majority over Republicans for the upcoming term, giving them more power over committees and more of a cushion if a Democratic senator sides with Republicans on a particular vote.