Topics: Harry Potter, Celebrity, JK Rowling, TV And Film, LGBTQ,
During an appearance at the 2025 Tony Awards over the weekend, Harry Potter actor Tom Felton was quizzed over his take on author JK Rowling's 'transphobic' views and online controversies.
The 'Draco Malfoy' actor's response has subsequently gone viral online, dividing fans of the Wizarding World franchise, many of whom claim to have been left 'disappointed'.
For those in need of a reminder, over the last few years, 59-year-old Rowling has sparked major backlash for loudly voicing her perspective against transgender rights.
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In 2020, in response to an opinion piece about 'people who menstruate', the British author wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?"
Accused of mocking the transgender community, numerous Harry Potter stars stood in protest of the writer's attitude - specifically titular star Daniel Radcliffe, and 'Hermione Granger' actress Emma Watson.
Radcliffe, now 35, penned an essay for the LGBTQ+ organisation The Trevor Project, during which he apologised for any 'pain' Rowling's views may have inflicted onto fans of the franchise.
Watson, also 35, went on to tell fans in a statement of her own: "I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are."
So far, several stars have remained silent on the 'anti-trans' controversy - including Tom Felton, 37.
This week, however - following the announcement that the former child star will reprise his role as Malfoy for the on-stage production Harry Potter and The Cursed Child - he broke his silence on the matter.
Whilst on the red carpet of this year's Tony Awards, Felton was asked by a Variety reporter whether Rowling's views or the controversy surrounding the Harry Potter author 'impact' him or his work 'at all.'
"No, I can't say it does," he responded. "I'm not really that attuned to it.
"The only thing I really 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 [Rowling] responsible for that, so I'm incredibly grateful."
As we say, fans of the film franchise appear to have been left divided by Felton's piece, many of whom have praised him for seemingly keeping his composure during questioning.
One wrote after Variety shared the clip on Instagram: "Great response."
Another went on: "Honestly, I’m happy with his response. She has her views, his are his own."
Others, however, have been left underwhelmed by the actor's response.
"Translation: 'I don’t care, she keeps me employed,'" one hit out in the comments.
Another wrote: "It must be nice to have that much privilege."
"Doesn’t effect you personally, so let them eat cake?" a third asked.
