Harry Potter star Tom Felton praises ‘lovely’ JK Rowling for ‘bringing generations together’… as he refuses to join former co-stars wading in with views on ‘transphobia’ row
He rose to fame during his role as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter movie franchise.
And Tom Felton has praised author of the original books JK Rowling for ‘bringing so many generatons together’ through the stories.
His comments come following a wave of backlash towards the writer following her controversial comments on transgender people – with the 35-year-old actor sharing that he ‘doesn’t pick sides’.
Tom Felton, 35, has praised JK Rowling for ‘bringing generations together’ via the Harry Potter franchise
Chatting in a new interview with The Times T2 magazine, Tom drew on JK, real name moniker Joanne, and her mark on the entertainment industry.
He said: ‘I couldn’t speak for what others have said or what she said, to be completely honest, but I’m often reminded, attending Comic Cons [fantasy conventions] in particular, that no one has single-handedly done more for bringing joy to so many different generations and walks of life.
‘I’m constantly reminded of her positive work in that field and as a person. I’ve only had a handful of meetings with her but she has always been lovely. So I’m very grateful for that,’ he explained.
Controversial: Tom described the author as ‘lovely’ while refusing to comment on backlash, after she sparked controversy in 2020 for her comments on transgender people
On-screen: The actor rose to fame during his role as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter movie franchise
His comments come after J.K. Rowling came under fire in early June 2020 for controversial tweets she posted about the transgender community.
Referring to an article that referenced ‘people who menstruate’, the auther tweeted: ‘I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?’
And following this, which caused up an initial stir, she continued to express controversial views on sex and gender in further tweets.
bACKLASH: His comments come after J.K. Rowling came under fire in early June 2020 for controversial tweets she posted about the transgender community
The stance even sparked major Harry Potter stars such as Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe to speak out against her views.
But keeping more to the fence as he refused to express his opinion on the matter, Tom explained: ‘I don’t tend to pick sides.
‘I won’t talk specifics but I enjoy reminding myself and others that a lot of my good friends have ways of life or personal decisions that I don’t necessarily agree with. We should enjoy celebrating each other’s differences.’
The actor recently reunited with his on-screen Harry Potter father Jason Isaacs, as he came to see Tom at his West End show 2.22 Ghost Story.
They played the incredible dark father-son duo Lucius and Draco in the franchise, and sent fans wild as they shared a snap of the reunion.
Reunion! The actor recently reunited with his on-screen Harry Potter father Jason Isaacs, as he came to see Tom at his West End show 2.22 Ghost Story
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