Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 10, 2025 · Entertainment

Draco's Defense: Why Tom Felton Stands by JK Rowling Amid Controversy

JK Rowling's views on gender ideology have divided the Harry Potter cast. While many of the younger stars have hit out at the author's views, some of the older cast have stood by her

The Great Wizarding War: Harry Potter Stars Clash with Creator JK Rowling Over Trans Rights

The wizarding world has been left reeling as tensions between Harry Potter's creator, JK Rowling, and her former child stars have come to a head over trans rights. While some of the actors who catapulted to fame thanks to Rowling's beloved book series have publicly denounced her views on the issue, others have stood by their creator in support.

At the center of the controversy is Tom Felton, the talented young actor who played Draco Malfoy in the movie franchise. Unlike his co-stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, Felton has refused to distance himself from Rowling, even going so far as to praise her for bringing the world together through the Potter series.

And Tom Felton, pictured on Sunday, detached himself from some of his younger Potter colleagues this week when he doubled down on his support for the series' creator

Felton's loyalty to Rowling is all the more surprising given his co-stars' scathing criticism of her views on trans rights. Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter himself, has been particularly vocal in his opposition to Rowling's stance. In a 2021 article for The Trevor Project, an LGBT+ suicide prevention charity, Radcliffe wrote: "Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I."

Radcliffe's relationship with Rowling has deteriorated significantly since then. In a recent interview, he revealed that they no longer speak, a fact that he admits makes him "really sad." Despite his regret, Radcliffe is clear about one thing: he owes nothing to Rowling for his success. "Nothing in my life would have happened if it wasn't for Harry Potter," he acknowledged, "but I don't think I owe Jo my entire life."

Meanwhile, Watson and Grint have also taken a strong stance against Rowling's views on trans rights. In a 2022 tweet, Watson wrote: "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, who played Ron Weasley in the films, has also expressed his support for the trans community, describing Rowling as his "auntie" while also stating that he doesn't necessarily agree with everything she says.

The likes of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, pictured L-R with Rowling in 2011, have distance themselves from the woman who made their careers

The debate over Rowling's views on trans rights has sparked a heated discussion among fans of the Harry Potter series. While some have praised Felton for standing by his creator, others have criticized him for not speaking out more forcefully against her views.

As the controversy continues to simmer, one thing is clear: the wizarding world will never be the same again. The rift between Rowling and her former child stars has exposed deep divisions within the fandom, highlighting the complex and often fraught nature of celebrity culture.

In a shocking move, Rowling recently took to Twitter to express her disgust at those who have criticized her views on trans rights. "Celebs who cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women's hard-won rights and who used their platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors can save their apologies for traumatised detransitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single sex spaces," she wrote.

Most of the criticism for Rowling has come from actors born into the millenial generation, with older actors proving quicker to back the series' creator

The battle lines have been drawn, and it seems that only time will tell whether Rowling and her former child stars will be able to put their differences aside. One thing is certain, however: the wizarding world will never forget this moment of drama and controversy.

The controversy surrounding Rowling's views on trans rights is a complex and multifaceted issue, with no easy answers or solutions in sight. As the debate continues to rage on, one thing is clear: the wizarding world will never be the same again.

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Radcliffe, who played Harry in the blockbuster films, now no longer speaks with the author after falling out with her about gender ideology (pictured, as Harry in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in 2004)