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Game of Thrones Star Maisie Williams Slams Emma Watson’s “First-World Feminism”

Maisie Williams
Maisie Williams criticized Emma Watson's UN speech on gender equality

Maisie Williams, who is best known for playing Arya Stark on HBO's Game of Thrones, is backtracking on her support for Emma Watson.

On September 20, Watson generated tons of positive buzz for her HeForShe speech at the U.N., which aimed to "galvanize as many men and boys to be advocates for change" in the issue of gender equality.

When speaking with The Guardian earlier this week, Williams, 17, said she considers herself a feminist, "though it’s not an issue high on her agenda," the writer noted.

"There are creepy things that people say online that I shouldn’t have to read,” the actress explained, “but there are bigger things going on in other countries.”

Williams added that she is impatient with this kind of "first-world feminism." "A lot of what Emma Watson spoke about, I just think, 'That doesn't bother me.' I know things aren't perfect for women in the U.K. and in America, but there are women in the rest of the world who have it far worse." Maisie said that there are other causes she prefers to campaign for, including breast cancer and anti-bullying.

Watson, 24, received a standing ovation three months ago after she delivered her stirring speech.

"I was appointed as Goodwill Ambassador for U.N. Women six months ago and the more I've spoken about feminism, the more I have realized that fighting for women's rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating. If there is one thing I know for certain, it is that this has to stop," Watson said.

She explained that she believes "it is right that as a woman I am paid the same as my male counterparts. I think it is right that I should be able to make decisions about my own body. I think it is right that women be involved on my behalf in the policies and decision-making of my country. I think it is right that socially I am afforded the same respect as men."

But she noted there had been blowback to her stance. "Apparently I am among the ranks of women whose expressions are seen as too strong, too aggressive, isolating, anti-men and, unattractive," she added.

Shortly after Watson's speech went viral, Maisie Williams was one of many stars who tweeted the Harry Potter alum:

While Williams may have had a change of heart, Watson still has plenty of her peers' support.

"I was so f–king proud of Emma Watson's speech at the U.N. It was brilliant, such an incredible use of her airspace, and really passionate," Cate Blanchett gushed to Porter magazine. "It was fantastic."

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