Tom Felton, known for playing Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, has sparked controversy after expressing gratitude to author J.K. Rowling at the Tony Awards in New York. When asked about Rowling’s views on biological sex, which have been the subject of public debate, Felton chose to thank her for her impact on his career and the global influence of the Harry Potter series. “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 said.
Felton is one of the few Harry Potter stars who has publicly supported Rowling. Actor Ralph Fiennes, who played Lord Voldemort, also defended her in 2022, calling her treatment by critics “disgusting” and criticizing cancel culture for lacking nuance. The irony of actors who played villains in the series defending Rowling is something the author herself would likely appreciate.
Felton’s gratitude sparks intense reaction
Their stance against the real-life criticism of Rowling places Felton and Fiennes on the side of those advocating for dialogue and understanding in a polarized cultural landscape. Felton’s comments have sparked a wave of differing reactions online.
While some applauded him for what they called a “classy response,” others condemned it as “atrocious,” “spineless,” and “disappointing.”
One user wrote on social media, “Thank goodness someone in that franchise learned not to bite the hand that feeds him.” Another added, “Who would have thought Draco would be the most level-headed.”
However, many feel let down by his comments. “This is what privilege looks like, and we shouldn’t ignore how much harm looking the other way because things don’t affect us directly does,” one critic declared. Another said, “That’s the problem, people not caring about issues that don’t impact them.”
Since 2020, Rowling has alienated many fans through her contentious online comments regarding gender identity and trans rights, including her claim that trans women “are not women” and her refusal to use people’s preferred pronouns.
Critics have labeled her a “trans-exclusionary radical feminist,” a term Rowling has since embraced publicly. Her remarks prompted the three lead actors of the original film franchise – Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint – to publicly distance themselves from her and express their support for the trans community. Despite the ongoing controversy, the wizarding world of Harry Potter continues to expand with a new HBO reboot series in the works.
Rowling is on board as an executive producer, and HBO has stood by her involvement, stating, “J.K. Rowling has a right to express her personal views. We will remain focused on the development of the new series, which will only benefit from her involvement.”
