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Emma Watson Slammed On Twitter For Tying Alan Rickman’s Death To Feminism

By Zachary Volkert
Published on: 09:14 PST, Jan 14, 2016

As Emma Watson launched the formative years of her career with Alan Rickman, it’s no surprise that his death rocked her enough to take to Twitter to share a few words about the fallen actor. The actress first posted on Facebook that she was distraught over the sudden departure of her friend.

While a heartfelt eulogy to Alan seems to be a relatively uncontroversial topic, Emma has been attracting criticism for using a particular quote of Rickman’s to memorialize his death. Watson, who has become one the most recognized celebrity feminists, included a quote from Alan that reminded her Twitter followers that he was also a strong advocate of women’s rights.

Emma later added several other tweets which featured quotes by Rickman. Those more innocuous messages spoken about the art of acting and drive for success, no doubt things that Watson discussed in her “talks” with Alan.

Alan Rickman's death was a bad call for Emma Watson
Emma Watson has known Alan Rickman for much of her life, which puts in her a unique position for selecting quotes to commemorate his passing. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)

Still, not everyone was on board with Emma linking a feminist quote to Rickman’s death. Some felt that the association was unfairly politicizing his passing, and that Watson was taking opportunistic moment in what should be a tragedy. Some even referred to her use of Alan’s quote as propaganda.

Many, however, disagree with the assertion that Emma was trying to inject her ideology into the dedication to Rickman. As Watson is actually using Alan’s words, her defenders argued, they cannot take on an unintended meaning.

Alan Rickman was cool with Emma Watson's feminism
Emma Watson works with the United Nations for global women’s rights issues, something found pertinent when Alan Rickman died. (Photo by Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images)

Twitter wasn’t the only place that Emma’s words were torn apart either. Comments sections on major media reporting on her dedication to Alan were filled with people furious over what they saw as an overt agenda from Watson. Though it is also notable that many such news sources themselves, such as The Independent, were very positive about the tribute to Rickman.

Emma Watson has become one the most closely associated celebrities with feminism after launching the HeForShe campaign in conjunction with the United Nations. The purpose of the movement is to make feminism a priority not only for the world’s women, but also for men. It’s likely because of that cause célèbre that she’s now suffering the accusation of using Alan Rickman’s own alliance with the struggle for equality to capitalize on his death.

[Image via Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images]

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