When asked about J.K. Rowling’s remarks on transgender rights, Tom Felton said that he is “pro-human rights across the board” and “pro-love.”
The actor who played Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films said he doesn’t “have much time for” anything “that is not those things,” but he commended Rowling’s writing and the impact it has made.
Many members of the LGBT+ community and campaigners have called Rowling out for her frequent views on trans problems, which they have characterized as transphobic.
Asked about Rowling in a recent interview with The Independent, Tom Felton responded, “First of all, I don’t know enough about the specifics of what anyone said. Spending time on such things would take up way too much of my time, as I am constantly occupied with my dog.
To state the obvious, I am for freedom of choice, open dialogue, universal respect for human rights, and unconditional love. And if it’s not one of those, I don’t have much interest in it.
He elaborated, “It is also a reminder that, while Jo is the creator of these stories, she wasn’t as involved in the filmmaking process as some may imagine. I can only recall seeing her on set a couple of times.
Felton did say that Rowling was “responsible” for novels that were appreciated by people “of all ages” and “from all backgrounds,” though.
We all have different views on different things, and we all celebrate our own decisions, he shared frankly with his pals. We don’t enjoy pointing the finger of blame at those whose opinions differ from our own.
On October 13, Felton’s autobiography, Beyond the Wand, will be published.