Harry Potter Star Tom Felton Slammed Over ‘Disgusting’ J.K. Rowling Comments

15:58 10 June 2025

Updated: 14:22 12 June 2025

Harry Potter star Tom Felton has sparked fury online with his recent comments on the controversial author J.K. Rowling.

Felton is best known for portraying Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter franchise. He became a global star following the enormous success of the films.

The now 37-year-old grew up with fans in front of the camera, and his role as Malfoy in the hit movies grew a cult-like following.

Felton has since announced he is reprising the role of Malfoy in the Harry Potter Broadway show: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Tom Felton played the fan favorite role of villainous Draco Malfoy. Credit: Warner Bros.

The actor shared in a statement: “It’s surreal to be stepping back into his shoes – and of course his iconic platinum blond hair.

“I am thrilled to be able to see his story through and to share it with the greatest fan community in the world.”

Felton also added: “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.”

Although many fans are excited to hear the news of an original cast member returning to the franchise, a recent interview has caused major outcry.

Fans have shared their disdain for Tom Felton’s comments in a recent interview. Credit: Alamy

People have taken to social media to discuss Felton’s comments.

One person writes: “Play the villain, become the villain.”

Another user adds: “This has disgusted me, I always was a huge fan of Tom.”

“Oh. No. Tom Felton, this is where we say farewell,” someone else pens.

Rowling, 59, is the author behind the ‘Harry Potter‘ books, which have sold millions of copies worldwide.

In recent years, many fans feel the writer has negatively impacted the wizarding franchise with her views on s** and gender.

J.K. Rowling is seen as a controversial figure for her opinions on s** and gender. Credit: Alamy

Rowling has been outspoken across social media regarding the transgender community and her own beliefs as to what a woman is.

Some people claim the author’s opinions are transphobic.

In 2020, Rowling took to X (formerly Twitter) and retweeted an op-ed in which ‘people who menstruate’ were discussed.

She took issue with the fact that it didn’t say ‘women.’

“People who menstruate,” she said. “I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?”

As she has continued to share her views, a number of performers from the Harry Potter films have publicly spoken out against Rowling.

All three of the main cast members, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, have disavowed the writer’s comments.

But some fans are now taking offense at Felton’s views on the matter.

Appearing on the red carpet at the Tony Awards ceremony, the actor was asked about the controversy over Rowling’s gender-critical views.

Felton said: “I can’t say it [impacts me], 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.”

Some people have labeled his responses as ‘tone-deaf.’

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Kyra Hall

Editor

Kyra is a content editor at IGV who specializes in film, TV, and celebrity news. She has a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a master’s in Documentary Production from Nottingham Trent University. Kyra previously worked as an intern at ITV Tonight and as a freelance filmmaker.

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