Harry Potter Star Tom Felton Reignites Rowling Controversies at Tony Awards
Harry Potter Drama: Tom Felton Sparks Controversy with JK Rowling
In a shocking move, Harry Potter star Tom Felton has sparked a social media meltdown by revealing his thoughts on the franchise's beleaguered author, JK Rowling. The 37-year-old actor, who played the iconic role of Draco Malfoy in the beloved film series from 2001 to 2011, made headlines at the Tony Awards 2025 when he refused to criticize Rowling in a candid interview with Variety.
The controversy surrounding Rowling has been ongoing for years, with many celebrities distancing themselves from her due to her transphobic comments. However, Felton took a different approach, stating that he couldn't say whether the backlash affected his work. When asked about it, he replied, "No, I'm not really that attuned." Instead, he chose to focus on the positive impact of Harry Potter, saying, "The only thing I always remind myself is that I've been lucky enough to travel the world... And I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter, and she's responsible for that. So I'm incredibly grateful."
Folks, it looks like Tom Felton is sticking by his creator, even in the face of overwhelming criticism! But why? Is he really that oblivious to the controversy surrounding Rowling's comments about trans individuals?
The Drama Unfolds
Felton's words sparked a firestorm on social media, with fans divided over his response. While some praised him for staying loyal to Rowling, others slammed him for not speaking out against her views.
One fan wrote, "Thank goodness someone in that franchise learned not to bite the hand that feeds him." Another chimed in, "Who would have thought Draco would be the most level-headed?" But not everyone was impressed. One user posted, "What a classy response? Tom stays winning... yeah right!"
Another fan shared their disappointment, saying, "Good for him, I'm glad he didn't fold to the pressure like the others did a few years ago. She's an amazing advocate for women, such a fighter and totally brilliant." But another user was less sympathetic, writing, "I mean, you should distance yourself from Rowling. Her Harry Potter profits go to anti-transgender organizations."
Rowling vs. The Celebrities
But this isn't the first time Felton has been embroiled in controversy surrounding his creator. In March, JK Rowling seemed to take a swipe at her former child stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint in a social media post.
The 59-year-old author penned a biting response that left fans wondering if she was targeting the trio. She wrote, "Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible." Many of her followers interpreted the message as a nod to the three child stars who played the lead roles in the Harry Potter films.
The Rift Between Rowling and Her Former Stars
Relations between Rowling and the actors have been frosty for years due to her views on trans rights. Last year, she publicly stated that she couldn't "forgive" Radcliffe, Watson, and other celebrities who "cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women's hard-won rights."
The comments were made in response to the publication of the Cass report into gender treatment in the UK, which recommended changes to the way young people are advised and puberty blockers should no longer be prescribed. Rowling has been vocal in her opposition to allowing children to change their gender.
Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint have all spoken out against Rowling's views on trans rights, with Radcliffe admitting that he had not spoken to Rowling for years due to their differing opinions.
Felton Joins the Broadway Cast of Harry Potter
But despite the drama surrounding his creator, Felton is set to reprise his role as Draco Malfoy in the upcoming Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The actor will join the cast in November and star in the show for 19 weeks.
When asked about his decision to return to the franchise, Felton said, "Being a part of the Harry Potter films has been one of the greatest honors of my life... Joining this production will be a full-circle moment for me, because when I begin performances in Cursed Child this fall, I'll also be the exact age Draco is in the play."
The Verdict
So, what do we make of Tom Felton's decision to stick by JK Rowling? Is he brave or naive? One thing's for sure – the drama surrounding Harry Potter and its cast members shows no signs of slowing down. Stay tuned for more updates on this juicy saga!
