Tom Felton praises J.K. Rowling while facing backlash over her views

In the United States, during the Tony Awards on June 8, 2025, Tom Felton was asked about the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling's views on transgender issues while he walked the red carpet. He responded that he is not particularly attuned to that controversy and expressed his gratitude towards Rowling for bringing joy to many through the Harry Potter series. Felton emphasized the positive global impact of Harry Potter, attributing it to Rowling. Despite facing criticism online, especially from fans who believe he should denounce Rowling's actions due to their perceived harmfulness to the trans community, Felton has maintained his supportive stance towards her. His decision to reprise the role of Draco Malfoy in the Broadway adaptation 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' has sparked further debate within the fandom, drawing a line between his views and those of other actors from the franchise, who have distanced themselves from Rowling's opinions. Felton's comments have been interpreted as insensitive, especially in light of recent discussions on social media about the implications of Rowling's statements on trans rights and the ongoing backlash against her from parts of the LGBTQ+ community. This controversy highlights the broader divide within the Harry Potter fandom concerning Rowling's views and the actors' responses to them, setting Felton apart from his former co-stars who have publicly criticized Rowling.