Felton Faces Backlash Over Rowling Support

‘Harry Potter’ Star Defends Author Amid Transgender Rights Debate

A resurgence of interest in **Tom Felton**’s role as Draco Malfoy on Broadway has ignited controversy, as the actor publicly expressed admiration for **J.K. Rowling** despite ongoing criticism of her views on transgender rights.

Return to the Wizarding World

The actor, known for portraying Draco Malfoy in the original *Harry Potter* film series, is reprising his role in *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child* at the Lyric Theatre in New York City, beginning November 11th. His appearance at the Tony Awards sparked debate when questioned about **Rowling**’s controversial statements.

Tom Felton really said “she’s responsible for bringing the world together” when discussing JK Rowling. What a privileged straight white man take. 🙄

— ً (@scottsmcr) September 27, 2023

“If anything, I remind myself I’ve been lucky to travel the world, and I’ve not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter, and she’s responsible for that.”

—Tom Felton, Actor

According to a 2022 Pew Research Center study, approximately 1.6% of U.S. adults identify as transgender or non-binary, highlighting the growing visibility and importance of inclusive dialogue. Pew Research Center

Fan Reaction and Debate

Many fans expressed disappointment with **Felton**’s comments, labeling him an “actual Slytherin” – a reference to the ambitious and sometimes unscrupulous house in the *Harry Potter* series. Others voiced concerns that his support for **Rowling** undermined the inclusive message of the books.

Tom felton….. you’ve lost any respect you’ve ever had from me.

— 𝕁𝕒𝕪 🦋 (@jayyysss) September 27, 2023

**Felton** acknowledged the controversy but maintained a diplomatic stance, stating he is “pro-discussion, pro-love.” He also revealed that the *Harry Potter* cast’s group chats largely avoid discussing **Rowling**’s views, focusing instead on “wizarding puns and banter.”

Tom Felton has returned to the role of Draco Malfoy on Broadway.

Rowling’s Controversial Stance

**J.K. Rowling** has faced sustained criticism for her views on transgender issues, repeatedly questioning the validity of transgender identities and expressing concerns about the inclusion of transgender women in spaces traditionally reserved for cisgender women. In December 2023, she stated on X, formerly Twitter, “There are no trans kids. No child is ‘born in the wrong body’”, sparking further outrage.

While some actors from the *Harry Potter* franchise, including **Daniel Radcliffe**, have publicly condemned **Rowling**’s statements, **Felton**’s position highlights the complex challenges of navigating personal loyalty and public responsibility in the face of divisive social issues.

A Fandom That Endures

**Felton** expressed surprise at the continued passion surrounding the Wizarding World. I think we all thought that the fandom flame might be doused over the years, but clearly it’s not, he shared with Variety at the Tony Awards. He’s particularly excited about the immediacy of live performance, contrasting it with the lengthy film production process. The most exciting part is to do it live. It took nine months, more or less, to shoot a film, and this is all compact. This is all reimagined into a very loving, new type of story. And I get to be a dad, which is really fun.

The enduring popularity of the Harry Potter franchise is undeniable. A recent report from Statista shows that the global market for licensed merchandise related to Harry Potter reached $7.7 billion in 2023, demonstrating the brand’s continued commercial success. (Statista, 2024)

Navigating a Complex Legacy

The announcement arrives amidst ongoing discussions surrounding author J.K. Rowling’s controversial statements. When questioned about the impact of these views on his involvement, **Felton** admitted he isn’t closely following the debate, but acknowledged it nonetheless. I can’t say it does. He emphasized the unifying power of the series itself. 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 explained. And she’s responsible for that, so I’m incredibly grateful.

A New Generation at Hogwarts

“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” picks up 19 years after the events of the final novel, following the next generation of witches and wizards as they navigate their own journeys at Hogwarts. **Draco Malfoy**, along with **Harry Potter**, **Ron Weasley**, and **Hermione Granger**, now grapple with the challenges of parenthood.

**Felton**’s engagement begins November 11th and will run for 19 weeks, concluding on March 22, 2026. This marks the first time an original cast member from the Harry Potter films will appear in the stage production. He’s already preparing for the differences between film and live performance. The show’s director, **John Tiffany**, informed him that mastering the stagecraft is essential. They said, ‘Well, you’re going to have to because there’s so many physical tricks,’ **Felton** recalled. In the films, we used a lot of green screen, a lot of effects happened afterwards. And obviously in the show, everything is live and real, so I’m really excited to get my teeth stuck into that.

**Felton** is scheduled to present the award for best actress in a featured role at tonight’s Tony Awards, hosted by **Cynthia Erivo**, which will broadcast on CBS.

Tom Felton

‘Spoken like a true Slytherin’: Harry Potter star Tom Felton faces major backlash from Potterheads for his ‘admiration’ of J.K. Rowling