Harry Potter's Rupert Grint facing backlash over fascism question
Topics: Harry Potter, TV And Film, Celebrity, UK News, Politics
Rhianna Benson
Featured Image Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
Topics: Harry Potter, TV And Film, Celebrity, UK News, Politics
Promoting his latest professional project in Berlin this weekend, Rupert Grint was seemingly caught off guard by a question from press on 'fascism'.
The 37-year-old was joined by co-star Seidi Haarla in the German capital for the annual Berlin Film Festival on Saturday (14 Feb), with whom he'll soon star in the incoming fantasy-horror, Nightborn.
The blockbuster will see Grint play the British husband of his Finnish cast-mate, who together move into an isolated home in rural Finland with the dream of starting a family. After welcoming a child, however, they quickly discover that their offspring is not like other children, and their marriage is put to the test in the most disturbing of ways.
Harry Potter alum Grint - who shot to fame after being cast as the titular character's flame-haired best friend Ron Weasley for the eight-film franchise in 2001 - attended this week's media discussion panel alongside Nightborn's director Hanna Bergholm.
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It didn't take long for the latter to be quizzed by attending press over a watermelon broach she'd attached to her outfit, which showed her support of Palestine in the country's ongoing conflict against Israel.
Bergholm impressed onlookers by telling the media of her pin: "Of course, every film can’t be about every topic in the world, and it doesn’t need to be.
"But as grown-up human beings, I think we have a responsibility to speak up against violence and against injustice, because not speaking up is also a choice - we don’t tell other fellow artists that they shouldn’t speak up."
When it came to Grint, the actor was also asked to provide some political commentary, especially hinging on the 'rise of fascism in Great Britain'.
He answered by telling press of the latter: "Obviously, I’m against it, but I mean, I choose my moments when to speak but yeah."
Grint added: "It’s obviously hugely relevant now. I think, yeah - you’ll hear from me."
Unfortunately for the father-of-two, however, despite providing something of a response to the political grilling, Grint's message has seemingly left a sour taste in the mouths of a number of critics, who accused him of failing to say enough on the matter.
In response to footage of the interaction, one X (formerly Twitter) user hit out: "Oh my god, why is every single person at this festival so far being spineless?"
Another added: "I need actors to remember that they are artists and that art is always political. Speak up!
"Please stop leaving it to JUST the little people. We all have to work together."
A third questioned: "Was everyone castrated upon entry of this festival, wth is going on?"
Some fans of Grint, however, took aim at attending press for firing an non-film related question in his direction under the watch of millions of spectators.
"Thank goodness. Ron Weasley outed as being against fascism," one wrote. "I was worried for a minute he’d answer the wrong way."
Another questioned: "Why are they asking every and any actor about politics, like can we focus on the movie?"
"Not every actor needs to be an activist," a third continued. "Nobody expects literally any other job role to be 100% involved in politics."