Tom Felton disappoints fans by not denouncing J.K. Rowling, raising questions after his recent remarks about returning as Draco Malfoy in
“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.”
Speaking in New York, Felton addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding Rowling’s repeated transphobic comments, ultimately choosing not to directly confront the author’s views, which have already cost her countless followers from the legion of Potter fans worldwide.
Felton’s failure to take a firm stance on Rowling’s statements is disappointing for many, especially as he embarks on another lucrative venture within the Potter universe—one that owes its existence to Rowling. The ongoing discussion spotlights a troubling dynamic: celebrities who have benefitted from powerful figures often shy away from calling out harmful rhetoric, with Tom Felton now at the center of this familiar Hollywood dilemma.
Felton Returns to the Potter Universe Without Addressing Fan Concerns
While reprising his role in
“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,”
Tom Felton was pressed about whether Rowling’s public views affected his decision to participate. His answer, instead of engaging meaningfully with the issues at hand, sidestepped the controversy. In his own words, he said,
“No, I can’t say it does. I’m not really that attuned to it. The only thing that 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. And she’s responsible for that, so I’m incredibly grateful.”
—Tom Felton, Actor
This admission—characterized by indifference and gratefulness for Rowling’s creation despite its now-problematic reputation—left supporters feeling let down. The actor, who earned a reported $17 million for just over half an hour of screen time as Draco Malfoy, continues to profit from the franchise at a time when many want greater accountability from its stars. His response reflects how financial and career considerations can influence whether or not public figures take stands that risk damaging professional relationships or opportunities.
Some Fans See Felton’s Response as Evasive
Many found Felton’s dismissal—
“it doesn’t bother me because it doesn’t directly affect me”
—particularly hurtful, interpreting it as a refusal to confront clear-cut bigotry simply because it doesn’t touch him personally. For an actor entwined with the franchise since childhood and closely linked to Rowling’s works, pretending ignorance is seen as a poor excuse. Casual observers, let alone principal cast members, are fully aware of Rowling’s views, making Felton’s lack of engagement feel even more disingenuous.
Felton’s history of avoiding these questions adds to the frustration. Back in 2022, he stated he did
“not know enough about the specifics”
of Rowling’s conduct. At another point, he justified his lack of awareness by claiming,
“My dog takes up far too much time for me to go into such matters.”
Each time, his answers seem increasingly evasive and dismissive, alienating those directly affected by Rowling’s comments, and reinforcing the perception that silence in the face of bigotry is itself a choice with consequences.
The actor has previously declared himself
“pro-choice, pro-discussion, pro-human rights across the board, and pro-love,”
but when pressed on issues that demand these principles, his willingness to publicly assert them disappears. Many argue that if Felton truly held these values deeply, he would have engaged more honestly with questions about Rowling’s impact, rather than opting for neutral or noncommittal answers.
Profit and Principles: The Ethical Quandary of Working With Rowling
Felton’s participation in Potter projects continues to enrich both himself and J.K. Rowling, who has been accused not just of harboring prejudiced views but of using her considerable fortune to support anti-trans political causes. Among the real-world repercussions, Rowling financially backed campaigns that influenced the UK Supreme Court’s exclusionary definition of “woman” to mean cisgender women only. Although Felton may not direct Rowling’s spending, his willingness to work in projects under her creative and financial control indirectly contributes to her resources, raising ethical concerns among the fanbase about supporting the franchise at all.
Learning From Other Franchises: The Buffy Example
Buffy the Vampire Slayer provides a contrasting example of how stars can respond when creators are embroiled in scandal. When Charisma Carpenter publicly detailed abuse she endured from series creator Joss Whedon, others like Sarah Michelle Gellar echoed her statements, supporting fans in separating their enjoyment of the show from its flawed architect. Through open discussion and solidarity, the “Buffy” cast allowed fans to take ownership of the stories they loved, and permitted themselves to maintain a relationship to the material that was critical of Whedon’s harm yet affirming to audiences.
This approach—open acknowledgment, solidarity, and a willingness to wrestle with uncomfortable truths—shows there are respectful ways to engage beloved pop culture despite problematic figures, and offers a model Felton and his Potter co-stars could have followed more closely. In this way, the Buffy cast demonstrated leadership, giving fans the space to maintain their devotion while also denouncing unacceptable creator behavior.
Harry Potter Co-Stars Take a Different Stand
Unlike Felton, several key Harry Potter figures have publicly disagreed with Rowling’s statements. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint have each spoken out against her rhetoric, even after facing pressure and criticism for doing so. Their willingness to accept the personal and professional risks of opposing Rowling stands in sharp contrast to Felton’s ongoing reluctance to address the issue directly.
Public scrutiny on those returning to the Potter universe—for instance, in the upcoming HBO series—will only intensify as long as the cast and creatives continue to avoid substantive discussion on where they stand. The attempt to sidestep these critical questions seems out of place in an era when transparency and values are increasingly demanded from public figures.
Offering a possible alternative, Nick Frost, set to play Hagrid in HBO’s remake, said,
“She’s allowed her opinion, and I’m allowed mine, they just don’t align in any way, shape or form.”
—Nick Frost, Actor. This response, while brief, signals at least some principled distance and personal integrity, a stance that many believe Felton could have adopted without risking or jeopardizing his relationship with the material.
The Challenge of Speaking Out and the Consequences of Silence
Tom Felton found himself in a unique position to weigh in with clarity and empathy, but opted for a passive approach. His continued engagement with the Potter world, shaped by J.K. Rowling, is part of his identity and career trajectory—yet many believe that growing into adulthood should come with the courage to confront injustice and participate in important conversations. The lack of action, particularly in a high-profile context where other castmates have taken a stand, is seen by some as nearly as dismissive and offensive as the controversy that fueled the discussion to begin with.
With the Harry Potter universe expanding yet again, and fans grappling with their relationship to the material, celebrities like Felton are increasingly expected to lead with integrity and speak up for those hurt by the words and actions of its creators. The reactions to Felton’s recent statements reflect an overwhelming negativity and frustration, with many fans left feeling deeply saddened by his inaction, and questioning whether he will ever step forward to truly address the issues at the heart of this ongoing saga.
