John Lithgow almost backed out of playing Albus Dumbledore in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter television show.

The the adult cast members have received backlash for joining the show in light of author J.K. Rowling‘s anti-trans views.

Speaking with The New York Times in an interview published on Tuesday (March 17), the 80-year-old actor said he has not met Rowling and doesn’t agree with her comments.

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He also said that the show is “clearly on the side of the angels, against intolerance and bigotry.”

But John was “stung” by the response he received online, yet still chose not to quit the show, knowing full well this topic will continue to crop up in “every interview” he “will ever do” for the rest of his life.

The 3rd Rock from the Sun alum has previously talked about his decision to accept the role, revealing that he put a lot of thought into it because it will likely be his “last major role.”

In April of last year, he was asked if the backlash made him reconsider joining the cast and he said, “Oh heavens no,” at the time.

John is also preparing for his return to Broadway in the acclaimed play Giant which previously won him an Olivier Award for Best Actor.