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Harry Potter actor Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the hit movie franchise, recently downplayed the controversy surrounding franchise creator JK Rowling’s ongoing anti-trans rhetoric in a move many fans found very telling.

Felton’s comments came during a Variety interview on the Tony Awards red carpet where he was asked whether Rowling’s stance on trans issues “impacted” him.

His response: “No, I can’t say it does. 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 — and I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter. And she’s responsible for that, so I’m incredibly grateful.”

It was a “shrug heard ’round the fandom.” And for many, it landed poorly.

On X, users were quick to call Felton out for his clear lack of regard for issues that don’t directly affect him. They also pointed to the clear contrast between his indifference to the discrimination faced by the trans community and the vocal support his co-stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint have shown for the community.

The cost of silence in the face of harm

Felton’s position isn’t new. He’s dodged questions about Rowling’s views before, previously saying, “I’m not Mr Social Affairs” and suggesting he doesn’t “wade in on opinions.” But to many fans, especially queer and trans ones, that neutrality is complicity.

Rowling’s transphobia is more than a “Twitterverse controversy,” as the Variety reporter put it and many users pointed out. Users included deliberate misgendering of trans individuals and open support for policies that have real-world consequences for trans rights, particularly in the UK, as effects of Rowling’s words.

Rowling has also leveraged her large platform to amplify anti-trans voices and supported initiatives that harm queer communities.

That’s not just a difference of opinion. That’s a threat to people’s safety, dignity, and legal protections, a sentiment echoed by most users on X, who criticised Felton’s words.

And when one of the most recognisable faces from the Harry Potter universe, an actor still actively profiting from its legacy, chooses to remain “not attuned,” fans take notice.

The privilege of opting out

Many also zeroed in on the privilege embedded in Felton’s answer. As a white cisgender man, he exercises the luxury of not having to engage with Rowling’s views. Views that may directly or indirectly endanger others.

One user wrote, “That’s the problem ain’t it, people not caring about issues that don’t ‘impact them.’” Another added, “So he’s saying he’s choosing to actively ignore the lives of queer people… because he gets money and chances to travel?”

To many, Felton’s refusal to take a stand reads not just as apathy, but as a conscious decision to preserve professional convenience at the expense of ethical responsibility.

Contrast with the ‘Golden Trio’

What makes Felton’s stance feel so glaring is that Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint, who were arguably under more pressure and visibility, each took decisive action.

Radcliffe, who’s not even on social media and could’ve remained silent for being blissfully unaware or un-attuned, as users noted, wrote a heartfelt open letter affirming that “transgender women are women.”

Meanwhile Watson used her platform to say trans people “deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned.” Grint also issued a clear statement: “Trans women are women. Trans men are men. We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment.”

They weren’t perfect. But they showed up. They cared. And they spoke up even though doing so meant pushing back against the powerful author who launched their careers.

Felton’s continued neutrality, especially as he steps back into the Harry Potter universe via the Broadway production of Cursed Child, now feels like a deliberate silence rather than simple detachment.