'Not attuned': Harry Potter star Tom Felton ignites social media war after responding to author J.K. Rowling's anti-trans views
Tom Felton has divided social media after he praised author J.K. Rowling amid her controversial views on transgender issues.
The Harry Potter star was asked by Variety if Rowling's views impacted him at all on the red carpet at the Tony Awards in New York on Monday.
Felton, who played the villain Draco Malfoy in the world-famous films from 2001 through 2011, said "no" as he was not 'attuned' to the conversation.
"I can't say it does," the 37-year-old British actor said.
"I'm not really that attuned to it; the only thing I always remind myself is that I've been lucky enough to travel the world; here I am in New York.
"I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter, and she's responsible for that, so I'm incredibly grateful."
Felton's comments sparked a mixed reaction on X, with some fans lashing out at the star for his disregard.
''I'm not really that attuned to it', in other words, 'They don't affect me, so I can't bring myself to care'," one person said.
"I mean...of course, they don't impact him. He's not the target of her scorn," another person said.
However, other people praised Felton for his views, arguing the Harry Potter stars shouldn't bite the hand which fed them.
"What an upstanding gentleman," said one fan.
"Fair play, Tom, for showing strength of character and loyalty in acknowledgment of someone who opened a lot of doors for you."
Another person said it was "amazing" that Felton played one of the "meanest characters" but was "one of the nicest people in real life."
Felton's support for Rowling comes as he continues to capitalise on his fame after the success of the films.
It was recently announced he will reprise his role as Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child takes place 19 years after the series' final novel, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Now, parents Draco and Harry, Ron and Hermione, are waving their children off on Platform 9¾ before school starts again at Hogwarts.
Felton's Broadway run will last from November 11 through March 22, 2026, and marks the first time an original Harry Potter star joins the production.
His comments stand in stark contrast to the views of the three main original stars—Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson.
All three stars have criticised Rowling's anti-trans views in separate statements where they expressed solidarity with the trans community.
The author, 59, responded by saying she would not forgive the trio, who she told to "save their apologies" for 'traumatised de transitioners'.
Despite Rowling and her leading actors being torn apart over the years, the Harry Potter franchise remains strong despite her contentious views.
A HBO adaptation of her seven-volume fantasy series is currently in production as a long-form TV show.
Dominic McLaughlin has been cast for the titular role of Harry Potter, with Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton as Hermoine Granger.
Last November, HBO chief Casey Bloys said Rowling's views have not "affected the casting or hiring of writers or productions staff'.
A spokesperson for the network added the author "has a right to express her personal views" and the new series will "only benefit from her involvement."
Rowling recently celebrated the ruling that only biological women meet the definition of a woman under equality laws in a landmark case.
She has previously mocked the phrase "people who menstruate", said women's rights and "lived reality" would be "erased" if "sex isn't real", and called a list of trans women "men, every last one of them".
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