Tom Felton, known for playing Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, has defended author J.K. Rowling amid ongoing controversy over her views on transgender rights. In an interview at the Tony Awards, Felton expressed gratitude for Rowling’s impact on his career. “I can’t say it really does [affect me],” Felton said.
“The only thing I always remind myself is that I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world. Here I am in New York. And I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter, and she’s responsible for that.
So I’m incredibly grateful.”
Felton is one of the few Harry Potter stars to publicly support Rowling. His co-stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint have criticized Rowling’s views and expressed support for the transgender community. Ralph Fiennes, who played Lord Voldemort, has also defended Rowling.
In 2022, he called the public treatment of Rowling “disgusting” and condemned cancel culture.
Felton defends Rowling’s influence
“Rowling has written these great books about empowerment, about young children finding themselves as human beings.
It’s about how you become a better, stronger, more morally centered human being,” Fiennes said. Felton’s comments have sparked mixed reactions online. Some praised him for a “classy response,” while others found his remarks disappointing.
“Thank goodness someone in that franchise learned not to bite the hand that feeds him,” one user wrote on X. Another said, “Who would have thought Draco would be the most level-headed.”
Critics argued that Felton’s stance reflects privilege and ignores the harm caused by Rowling’s views. “That’s the problem ain’t it, people not caring about issues that don’t ‘impact them’,” one user commented.
The debate comes as HBO moves forward with a new Harry Potter series, with Rowling on board as an executive producer. The network has stood by her involvement despite the ongoing controversy. “J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views,” HBO stated.
“We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”
