Draco Malfoy Actor’s Silence on Rowling’s Transphobia Sparks LGBTQ+ Fan Outrage
Actor Tom Felton is facing severe online backlash from fans, both LGBTQ+ and allies alike, after publicly distancing himself from the controversy surrounding author J.K. Rowling’s views on transgender people, as he prepares to return to the Rowlings’ Wizarding World on Broadway.
Felton, 37, who rose to fame playing Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter film franchise, confirmed last week that he will reprise the role in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway later this year. The announcement sparked renewed scrutiny of the ongoing tension between Rowling and the broader LGBTQ+ community and former Harry Potter fans.
While attending the Tony Awards on June 8, Felton was asked whether Rowling’s comments on gender identity had any impact on his decision to remain involved with the Harry Potter universe. He said, “No, I can’t say it does. I’m not really that attuned to it.”
He added that he prefers to focus on storytelling, a response that drew swift criticism on social media from fans who felt the actor failed to meaningfully address the concerns of trans and nonbinary audiences.
Rowling has faced sustained criticism in recent years for her anti-trans public statements about gender identity. Her comments have led to a visible rift between her and several former Harry Potter cast members, including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, all of whom have expressed support for the trans community. She has told the original stars to “save their apologies,” even though the three actors were not moved to apologize.
