The Harry Potter fans is once again in an uproar, this time because Tom Felton gave a forthright answer when asked about the controversy surrounding author JK Rowling’s opinions.
Felton, who is 37 years old, will return to the wizarding world as Draco Malfoy in the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Lyric Theatre in New York on November 11. He will be the first actor from the original film series to play the same character on stage.
The announcement caused a lot of talk and debate right away because Rowling is known for having a controversial public opinion on gender identity.
On Sunday, June 8, at the 78th Tony Awards, the performer was questioned if the author’s opinions “affect you at all or affect your work in the world of Harry Potter at all” while strolling the red carpet.
His response was curt: “No, I can’t say it does. I don’t really get it. The only thing I constantly tell myself is that I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world—I’m in New York right now—and I’ve never seen anything bring people together like Potter. And she is to blame for that, so I am really thankful.
Many fans were shocked by Felton’s words, which soon spread on social media.
“This is what privilege looks like, and we shouldn’t ignore how much harm it does to look the other way when things don’t directly affect us.” “Don’t be Tom Felton,” one individual said.
Another post said, “So he’s saying he chooses to ignore the lives of queer people that are in danger because… *checks notes* he gets money and chances to travel?” Of course, that’s WAY more important than real lives and rights being taken away.
Some people called Felton’s statement “spineless” and “disappointing,” saying it wasn’t as good as how other Harry Potter stars have dealt with the situation.
“Well, that ruined my childhood…” I used to really like Draco and thought Tom Felton was great. This is very depressing. One individual said, “Shame on him.”
Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, and Daniel Radcliffe have all criticized Rowling’s stance.
In a piece for The Trevor Project, Radcliffe stated: “Transgender women are women. Transgender people lose their identity and dignity when someone argues otherwise.
Tom Felton says the controversy around J.K. Rowling's political views doesn't impact him: "I'm not really that attuned to it…I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter. She's responsible for that, so I'm incredibly grateful." #TonyAwards pic.twitter.com/T7KSMNbFds
— Variety (@Variety) June 8, 2025
Additionally, Watson maintained her composure, stating that transgender people are who they claim to be and ought to be free to live their lives without constant scrutiny. “I strongly support the trans community…” Grint said in agreement. Trans women are women. males who are trans are males. According to BBC News, “We should all have the right to live with love and without judgment.”
The author has observed their opposition and said she is unlikely to forgive the three. She also accused them of “cozying up to a movement intent on eroding women’s hard-won rights.”
She even seemed to take a jab at them on social media when she answered a question about actors who destroy movies with “Three guesses.” “I’m sorry, but that was too good to pass up,” she wrote, along with laughing emojis. \Felton has repeatedly adopted a neutral posture on the matter.
In 2022, he told The Times, “To be honest, I couldn’t speak for what others have said or what she said.” I’m continually reminded of her great efforts in that profession and as a person. I’ve only met with her a few times, but she’s always been nice. So I’m really thankful for that.
He said, “I’m pro.” I’m pro-choice. I believe in life. I’m for talking. I like love. I don’t usually choose sides. I won’t get into details, but I like to remind myself and others that many of my close friends live their lives or make choices that I don’t always agree with. We should love celebrating what makes us different.
People are still interested in the Harry Potter world, and a new HBO show is set to come out in 2027 starring John Lithgow as Dumbledore.
According to The Independent, Lithgow has also spoken out against the backlash, calling it “odd” and claiming that Rowling’s opinions “shouldn’t be a factor at all.”