Tom Felton’s comments on J.K. Rowling during a red carpet interview have led to criticism.
Tom Felton is facing intense backlash after publicly downplaying the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling and her repeated attacks on the trans community.
Tom Felton Says The Controversy Around J.K. Rowling's Political Views Doesn't Impact Him
When asked about Rowling’s transphobia, Felton replied:
I'm not really that attuned to it... I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter. She's responsible for that, so I'm incredibly grateful.
Instead of using the moment to show support for the trans community or to even acknowledge the hurt Rowling’s words have caused, Felton chose to highlight her cultural impact and express gratitude. The internet was quick to call out the tone–deaf nature of his answer.
A Clear Contrast To Daniel, Emma, And Rupert
What made Felton’s statement even more disappointing is how much it clashed with the actions of his former co–stars. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint all spoke out, openly distancing themselves from Rowling and making it clear that they stand with the trans community. They each shared statements at the time, affirming that trans women are women and that trans people deserve to live with dignity and safety. They made it clear that they did not support Rowling’s views, and that the Wizarding World belongs to everyone, not just its author.
J.K Rowling did not take the criticism lightly. After their statements, she began subtly, and sometimes not so subtly, shading the cast online. She liked and shared tweets mocking them, and has continued to call out anyone who speaks up against her.
Three guesses.Sorry, but that was irresistible. https://t.co/hAMHw2b8EV
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) March 18, 2025
"Tom Felton Level Of Jobless"
Tom Felton and his obsession with Harry Potter has been a meme for years. People call him the king of unemployed celebrities. His Instagram is full of nostalgic Potter throwbacks. He visited Daniel Radcliffe’s Hollywood Star. He interacts with "DracoTok" on TikTok. And yes, it is totally normal for actors to pay tribute to past roles. Miley Cyrus does it with Hannah Montana, Selena Gomez does it with Wizards of Waverly Place. But the difference is, they all have an ongoing career and do other stuff. For Tom, it is not a cute throwback, it is his whole brand and the internet noticed. When it was announced he would return as Draco on Broadway in The Cursed Child, the memes came back instantly. People joked that he never moved on, that he is still Draco twenty years later.
if you ever feel bad just remember that you will never be tom felton levels of jobless, unemployed and desperate https://t.co/juIgK9ZKjl
— lynn (@lightningkeys) June 5, 2025
You Can't Claim Love And Ignore Hate
In the same interview where he got asked about J.K. Rowling’s transphobia, Tom Felton said he is Pro–Love, Pro–Choice and believes in everything that is rooted in love. But when it came to Rowling’s harmful statements about trans people, he just said, "I'm not really that attuned to it." That didn't make a lot of sense to people, because claiming to stand for love while ignoring someone who uses their power to attack a vulnerable community, does not add up.
His co–stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint all publicly distanced themselves from Rowling and showed solidarity. They made it clear where they stand. Tom could have done the same. Saying "it does not affect me" is not neutral. It is either ignorant because he doesn't care about things that don't affect him, or it shows that staying on Rowling’s good side is more important to him than standing up for something he claims to believe in. You cannot say you believe in love and then look away when that love is not extended to everyone.
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