"I can't say it impacts me": Draco Malfoy actor Tom Felton speaks on Harry Potter author JK Rowling's opinions on gender

Tom Felton, known as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series, shared his views on ongoing public discussions surrounding J.K. Rowling and gender issues.

During a recent Variety interview, Felton was asked whether ongoing public discussions surrounding J.K. Rowling and gender issues affected him or his connection to the Harry Potter franchise, to which 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.”

Felton’s comments came ahead of his return to the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, marking his first appearance in the stage adaptation more than a decade after the final film in the series.

In previous interviews, Felton has expressed a similar position regarding debates surrounding Rowling’s views. In an interview with The Independent, he said:

“First of all, I don’t know enough about the specifics of what anyone said. My dog takes up far too much time for me to go into such matters. I mean, the obvious things to say are that I’m pro-choice, pro-discussion, pro-human rights across the board, and pro-love. And anything that is not those things, I don’t really have much time for.”

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Background on Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling’s public comments

Royal Ascot 2025 - Day Four (Image via Getty)

J.K. Rowling has remained a central figure in public debates about gender identity, sex-based legislation, and related policy discussions. Her public comments, including essays and posts on X, have drawn sustained attention.

In October 2023, Rowling wrote on X:

“I would happily do two years if the alternative is compelled speech and forced denial of the reality and importance of sex.”

Her long-form writing has addressed similar themes. In a widely circulated essay, she argued that

“Erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of so many to meaningfully discuss their lives,'' while also stating, ''I respect every trans person’s right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them.”

Rowling has also referred to broadcaster India Willoughby using male pronouns, and in 2024, following the publication of the Cass Review of gender identity services, she wrote that she was unlikely to forgive Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, describing them as celebs who cozied up to a movement intent on eroding women’s hard-won rights.

As reported by The Guardian, following the publication of her earlier essay in 2020, the Harry Potter actors publicly expressed support for trans people. Daniel Radcliffe stated:

“Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people.”

Emma Watson wrote:

“Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned.”

Felton’s comments place him among the Harry Potter cast members who have chosen to maintain distance from the broader debate surrounding Rowling’s views. While other actors have taken clear public positions in response to her statements, Felton has consistently emphasized that he does not closely follow the discussion.

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Also read: Harry Potter HBO series: Full list of cast and characters explored

Edited by Somava