As Britain voted to leave the EU, J.K. Rowling, Philip Pullman, Hugh Laurie, Neil Gaiman, and other respected artists are expressing their shock and fear.
What have we done? How could this happen? What’s going to happen to us?
These are some of the scary, heartbreaking questions resounding on social media this morning as the 48% of British Remain voters contend with the fact that Brexit is really happening — that despite a 75% Remain dominance among young people, older Brits secured an EU exit for future generations.
Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling was obviously one of the Remain campaign’s most fervent supporters; a self-styled ‘internationalist,’ Rowling saw the value in international cooperation, trade and cultural exchange, and fears for the future.
Rowling even admitted that she wishes she had magical powers, in order to get the U.K. out of the almost certainly damaging Brexit:
I don't think I've ever wanted magic more. https://t.co/gVNQ0PYIMT
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 24, 2016
Scotland will seek independence now. Cameron's legacy will be breaking up two unions. Neither needed to happen. https://t.co/4MDj7pndcq
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 24, 2016
Brexiteers like the cheating man shocked he can't stay in the spare room for 2 years while he sorts himself out. https://t.co/Xvjfr6ifPv
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 24, 2016
Proud to be part of #TheIndecentMinority https://t.co/wb91hJm1n8
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) June 24, 2016
And she’s not alone. Neil Gaiman, Philip Pullman, Alexa Chung, James Corden and Gary Lineker are a few of the authors, actors, singers, Bake-Off (of course) and sports stars who’ve taken to Twitter to express their shock — and their worry for their homeland’s future:
I can't get my head around what's happening in Britain.I'm so sorry to the youth of Britain. I fear you've been let down today x
— James Corden (@JKCorden) June 24, 2016
We had a headache, so we shot our foot off. Now we can't walk, and we still have the headache.
— Philip Pullman (@PhilipPullman) June 24, 2016
I cannot believe this. What is going to happen to us now? Jesus…
— Tamal Ray (@DrRayBakes) June 24, 2016
Scooping flesh out. Setting some aside in a jar marked 'immigrant'. Unclear where to scatter myself.
— alexa chung (@alexa_chung) June 24, 2016
U kip for a couple of hours and look what happens. What have we gone and done?
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 24, 2016
Congratulations exiters. Reverse is across and down, easy on the clutch.
— Hugh Laurie (@hughlaurie) June 24, 2016
I truly believe this is one of the most devastating things to happen during my lifetime. I felt a fear I've never felt this morning.
— Ellie Goulding (@elliegoulding) June 24, 2016
Shocked. Saddened. Confused.
— Jamie Campbell Bower (@Jamiebower) June 24, 2016
Very disappointed to hear the verdict of the Referendum. Can't believe that Britain is leaving the European Union. Feels so wrong.
— Will Poulter (@PoulterWill) June 24, 2016
Why on earth we were given this choice to vote is beyond me. We are totally on our own now. Totally. Watch the collapse begin. Dark days.
— amanda abbington (@CHIMPSINSOCKS) June 24, 2016
Dear UK,
good luck.
I am afraid you are going to need it,
love
Neil.
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) June 24, 2016
Indeed, this is unreal. For months, experts and industry leaders have cautioned that Brexit will lead to a massive loss of jobs, widespread poverty, and further fracturing of the United Kingdom.
The EU, an institution that has secured peace for Europe for half a century, is in jeopardy — leaving the entire region vulnerable.
In other words: Brexit is like that scary alternate reality where Voldemort won.
Happy Voldemort Day, everyone.