JK Rowling fans applaud Tom Felton as Harry Potter star issues ‘classy’ statement over author’s trans views controversy
Tom Felton has said JK Rowling’s controversial views on transgender issues do not impact his work in the Harry Potter universe.
The 37-year-old British actor was asked about the matter at the Tony Awards in New York City on Sunday evening.
The actor, who portrayed Draco Malfoy in all eight Harry Potter films from 2001 to 2011, was attending the ceremony ahead of his Broadway debut in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child later this year.
When Variety’s red carpet reporter questioned whether “the Twitterverse-controversy surrounding JK Rowling’s views” affected him or his work, Felton responded: “No, I can’t say it does. I’m not really that attuned to it.”
Felton emphasised his gratitude for the global unifying power of the Harry Potter franchise. “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,” he told reporters.
“And she’s responsible for that, so I’m incredibly grateful,” he added, referring to Rowling.
The actor spoke enthusiastically about the enduring strength of the Harry Potter fandom. “I think we all thought the wizarding world would slowly… that the fandom flame might douse over the years, but clearly it’s not,” he said.
Felton described the opportunity to return to the role as “very much a pinch-me kind of situation,” noting he had “let go of that character 16 years ago.”
Felton will join the cast at the Lyric Theatre in New York City beginning November 11, becoming the first cast member from the film franchise to reprise their role in the stage production. The role marks Felton’s Broadway debut.
He will remain with the show through March 22, 2026, in what he described as a “full-circle moment.” “When I begin performances in Cursed Child this fall, I’ll also be the exact age Draco is in the play,” Felton said in a statement.
The actor revealed he “cried” when putting on Draco’s signature platinum-blonde wig again after so long. “It’s surreal to be stepping back into his shoes,” he said.
Rowling has since taken to social media to endorse Felton’s return to the wizarding franchise with a celebratory post on X.
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
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child takes place 19 years after the events of Rowling’s final Harry Potter novel.
Rowling has faced widespread criticism for years over her views on transgender issues, expressed through social media and essays that critics consider transphobic. She maintains that her stance is rooted in concerns about women’s rights.
Felton’s comments stand in contrast to other Harry Potter film actors who have publicly criticised Rowling’s views. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson have all decried her stance on trans people.
Radcliffe told The Atlantic in April 2024 that he had not been in contact with Rowling recently and that her comments made him feel “really sad.”
Rowling has become estranged from the former child actors due to her stance on gender ideology. She previously said she would not forgive the actors for criticising her opinions, telling them to “save their apologies.”
Felton’s current position echoes comments he made to The Times in 2022. “I couldn’t speak for what others have said or what she said, to be completely honest, but I’m often reminded, attending Comic Cons in particular, that no one has single-handedly done more for bringing joy to so many different generations and walks of life,” he said at the time.
The actor expressed his philosophy of avoiding taking sides in divisive matters. “I’m pro-choice. I’m pro-life. I’m pro discussion. I’m pro-love. I don’t tend to pick sides,” he stated.
He added: “I enjoy reminding myself and others that a lot of my good friends have ways of life or personal decisions that I don’t necessarily agree with. We should enjoy celebrating each other’s differences.”
Inevitably, Felton’s latest comments caused quite a stir with Harry Potter fans online, with many commending the actor for his loyalty to Rowling.
“Good man. Sensible, grounded, grateful,” one X user said in response to Variety’s clip, before a second echoed: “Who knew the villain was the good guy. Classy response on not c**pping on the author whose books gave you an opportunity at a career.”
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A third concurred: “What an upstanding gentleman. Fair play Tom for showing strength of character and loyalty in acknowledgment of someone who opened a lot of doors for you.”
However, critics also targeted Felton for seemingly supporting Rowling, including one who hit out: “What would a privileged straight white cis-male know about the oppression faced by my trans colleagues.” (sic)