Harry Potter star Tom Felton sparks social media MELTDOWN with JK Rowling remarks amid controversies
Harry Potter star Tom Felton sparked social media meltdown when he revealed his feelings on the franchise's controversial author JK Rowling at the Tony Awards 2025 on Sunday.
The actor, now 37, who portrayed Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies from 2001 until 2011 and will reprise the role for for the Broadway show Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, refused to criticize the woman who launched his career in a candid Variety interview.
When asked if asked if the controversy around the author's views affect his work, the star replied: 'No, I can't say it does. I'm not really that attuned.
'The only thing 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.'
Given that the controversy surrounding Rowling centers on comments she has made about transgender identity—remarks widely condemned as transphobic —Felton's comments quickly ignited a wave of both backlash and support online.
Harry Potter star Tom Felton sparked social media meltdown when he revealed his feelings on the franchise's controversial author JK Rowling at the Tony Awards 2025 on Sunday
Many fans praised the actor.
'Thank goodness someone in that franchise learned not to bite the hand that feeds him,' one wrote, as another added, 'Who would have thought Draco would be the most level-headed.'
Another fan commented, 'The fact that Felton remained so cheerful/loyal about the series where he plays the villainous punching bag and the main three became so jaded and separated from what gave them their current lives shows God still has a sense of humor.'
Still another chimed in, 'What a classy response. Tom stays winning.'
Yet another applauded him, writing, '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 others took issue with Felton's support of Rowling.
One user subtly dragged the actor, writing, 'Who is this guy who thinks Harry Potter is a cultural zenith — and why are we listening to him?'
Another slammed him, posting, 'What would a privileged straight white cis-male know about the oppression faced by my trans colleagues?'
Given that the controversy surrounding Rowling centers on comments she has made about transgender identity—remarks widely condemned as transphobic —Felton's comments quickly ignited a wave of both backlash and support online
And one summed it up bluntly: 'I mean, you should distance yourself from Rowling. Her Harry Potter profits go to anti-transgender organizations.'
During the interview with Variety, Felton went on to express his excitement about the upcoming Broadway production.
'I think we all thought the wizarding world would slowly… that the fandom flame might douse over the years, but clearly it's not.'
'I think the most exciting part is to do it live. It took nine months, more or less, to shoot a film. And this is all compact. This is all reimagined into a very lovely new, tight story. And I get to be a dad, which has been fun.'
And now, 14 years after the film series came to an end, he has revealed that he will reprise the role for the Broadway show Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
Tom will join the cast in November and star in the show for 19 weeks, concluding his run in March 2026.
He shared the exciting news on the Today show on Thursday morning, stating, '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.'
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, based off a screenplay written by J. K. Rowling, takes place 19 years after the original series ended.
It follows Harry, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Draco's kids as they head off to Hogwarts.
Harry's son Albus and Draco's son Scorpius become best friends and get up to their own adventure - and almost destroy the entire wizarding world along the way.
'It's surreal to be stepping back into his shoes - and of course his iconic platinum blond hair - and I am thrilled to be able to see his story through and to share it with the greatest fan community in the world,' Tom added.
'I look forward to joining this incredible company and being a part of the Broadway community.'
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