Harry Potter's Tom Felton praises JK Rowling for "bringing joy to generations"
Harry Potter star Tom Felton has voiced his support for JK Rowling, praising her for "bringing joy to different generations and walks of life".
The author was criticised by some stars of the magical movie franchise based on her books after she was accused of transphobia in 2020 over her stance on protecting sex-based rights for women.
Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films told The Times: “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 in particular, that no-one has single-handedly done more for bringing joy to so many different generations and walks of life.
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“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.”
The 35-year-old British actor said he preferred to stay neutral when it came to political and cultural debate.
He went on: “I’m pro. I’m pro-choice. I’m pro-life. I’m pro-discussion. I’m pro-love. I don’t tend to pick sides.
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“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.”
Rowling was 'cancelled' after she responded to a story with a headline that read: “Opinion: Creating a more equal post-COVID-19 world for people who menstruate.”
She tweeted: “‘People who menstruate’. I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?”
The writer went on to publish an essay online in which she claimed - as a domestic violence survivor - that she felt allowing trans people to use single-sex bathrooms and changing rooms could be "offering cover to predators".
Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint all spoke out against her views on trans issues.
Other members of the cast gave defended Rowling.
Miriam Margolyes, who played Professor Sprout, has said the anger directed Rowling had been "misplaced".
The 81-year-old gay actor said: "There isn't one answer to all these trans questions."
Robbie Coltrane, 72, who played groundskeeper Hagrid, also defended the writer.
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He said previously: “I don’t think what she said was offensive really. I don’t know why but there’s a whole Twitter generation of people who hang around waiting to be offended."