Fans Praise ‘Upstanding Gentleman’ as Malfoy Actor Stands Apart from Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint Who All Condemned Author
JK Rowling fans have applauded Tom Felton as the Harry Potter star issued what many called a ‘classy’ statement over the author’s trans views controversy, refusing to condemn the woman who gave him his career.
The 37-year-old British actor was asked about the matter at the Tony Awards in New York City on Sunday evening, ahead of his Broadway debut reprising his role as Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
When pressed by Variety’s red carpet reporter about whether “the Twitterverse-controversy surrounding JK Rowling’s views” affected him or his work, Felton delivered a response that has divided the Harry Potter fandom but earned praise from Rowling supporters.
‘I’M NOT REALLY ATTUNED TO IT’
“No, I can’t say it does. I’m not really that attuned to it,” Felton responded, before emphasising 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.”
The measured response immediately sparked fierce debate online, with Rowling supporters praising Felton’s loyalty while critics slammed him for not taking a stronger stance.
FANS HAIL ‘CLASSY’ RESPONSE
Felton’s 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.
Another 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.”
A third concurred: “What an upstanding gentleman. Refreshing that he doesn’t jump on the bandwagon and acknowledges the good Rowling has done in the world.”
STARK CONTRAST TO CO-STARS
Felton’s stance marks a stark departure from his former co-stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who have all publicly condemned Rowling’s views on transgender issues.
Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, stated that “transgender women are women” and apologised to fans who felt their “experience of the books has been tarnished or diminished” by Rowling’s remarks.
Watson tweeted: “Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are.
Grint told The Times: “Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment.”
ROWLING’S RIFT WITH STARS
The author 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.
In April this year, when a fan asked her “What actor/actress instantly ruins a movie for you?” – Rowling’s response appeared to reference the trio who had turned against her.
BACKLASH FROM CRITICS
However, Felton’s comments also sparked fury from those who support transgender rights.
“Tom felton….. you’ve lost any respect you’ve ever had from me,” one critic declared.
Another wrote: “Translation: I do not have anyone close to me who is trans. And since it doesn’t affect me personally, it doesn’t matter.”
PinkNews described his response as sparking “backlash,” with some suggesting that “pointing at something, yelling ‘WHAT’S THAT?!’ and then running away would’ve been a less embarrassing response.”
CONSISTENT STANCE
Felton’s current position echoes comments he made to The Times in 2022, when he said: “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.
The actor has previously 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 in 2022.
BROADWAY DEBUT AHEAD
Felton is set to become the first original cast member from the Harry Potter films to reprise their role in the stage production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
He will star as an adult Draco Malfoy from November 2025 until March 2026 at the Lyric Theatre in New York City, marking his Broadway debut.
The play takes place 19 years after the events of Rowling’s final Harry Potter novel and follows the next generation of wizards as they embark on their journey at Hogwarts.
REWARDED FOR LOYALTY?
According to reports from April, Felton has also secured a behind-the-scenes role in the upcoming HBO television adaptation of Harry Potter, making him the only original cast member to be involved in the new production.
“Everyone knows that Tom has Jo’s blessing,” a source told the Daily Mail. “While others turned their backs on her, he treated her with dignity even if he disagreed with her.”
THE CONTROVERSY CONTINUES
Rowling has faced widespread criticism for years over her views on transgender issues, expressed through social media and essays that critics consider transphobic, though she maintains her stance is rooted in concerns about women’s rights.
The controversy shows no sign of abating, with the Harry Potter fandom increasingly divided between those who support the author and those who feel betrayed by her views.
As Felton prepares for his Broadway debut, his diplomatic approach to the controversy has earned him both praise and condemnation – proving that in the wizarding world, as in real life, choosing not to pick a side can be the most controversial stance of all.
