The Harry Potter co-star innocently posted a tweet of an image of Alan with a quote from the late actor imposed over it: “There is nothing wrong with a man being a feminist, I think it is to our mutual advantage”.
But the well-meaning memorial triggered a senseless outpouring of vitriol toward the actress, best known for playing the sweet Hermione Granger in the Potter films.
“Emma, you are a repugnant human being using his death to push your agenda. Go f**k yourself, twat,” user @caustinray72 wrote in response to Emma’s tribute.
“Don’t talk about feminist right now, we don’t give a f**k. A man died and you’re just talking about him being a feminist Emma?” @olddirtyzeeko wrote.
“So @EmWatson using Alan Rickman’s death to further her agenda. Why not surprised? F**king classless b*tch,” @MUJawed added.
It’s not the first time the Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women has faced a backlash on an issue close to her heart.
Last year Emma, 25, came under fire on social media for saying some of the best feminists are men.
In an interview with The Guardian about sexism in the film industry, Emma said women are “just as guilty of discriminating against women” as men.
“Some of the best feminists I have encountered are men, like Steve Chbosky who directed me in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and director James Ponsoldt who I am working with at the moment [on The Circle],” she said.
“Some women can be incredibly prejudiced against other women.”
So far, at least, Emma isn’t responding to the latest criticism around the Alan Rickman tribute she shared with her 20 million Twitter followers.
The divisive tweet is just one of many she made about Alan’s passing. She posted a series of quotes from the esteemed actor who clearly had a huge impression on her, on and off the Potter sets.
She also posted this touching personal statement on her Facebook page:
“I’m very sad to hear about Alan today. I feel so lucky to have worked and spent time with such a special man and actor. I’ll really miss our conversations. RIP Alan. We love you.”