Reporter Blocked From Asking Tom Felton Question About JK Rowling Mid-Interview

A reporter was shut down after asking Tom Felton a question about Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling.

Yesterday marked 25 years since the release of the first book of the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Anniversary events were subsequently held in celebration of the milestone.

However, amid the warm reflections on the franchise and retelling of some of the best moments, J.K. Rowling has been notably absent.

A recent interview between Sky News and Tom Felton has showed the awkward moment a member of the PR team stepped in when the reporter asked about Rowling.

Felton sat down with Sky's Claire Gregory at the launch of a new Mandrakes and Magical Creatures feature at Warner Brothers Studios.

However, the reporter was interrupted when she questioned the actor: "You're still very much, you and the other stars of the film, are very much still the face of the franchise, if you like.

"You know, we speak to you and hear from you guys. And [...] you get asked about it all the time. JK obviously has sort of more of a back seat now.

"Is it strange for her not being around at things like this?"

Gregory's query can be heard in the video being met with a rapid interjection by a PR member.

"Next question please," they can be heard saying off-camera.

Despite having written the popular novel - which has become the third best-selling novel of all time - Rowling has sparked backlash in recent years for comments she's made about the trans community.

In late 2021, she was accused of 'attacking trans women' on Twitter.

She also faced criticism for writing a book about a male serial killer disguised as a woman.

Many of the Harry Potter cast, including Felton, now no longer answer questions about the author.

Indeed, in my own interview with Felton just a few weeks ago, the PR company who organised the chat strictly warned against mentioning her name.

While it's uncertain as to whether Rowling could end up cancelled because of the controversy which continues to surround her, Mina & Eduardo Lima who worked on the films as illustrators, believe the Harry Potter world will live on even without its original creator.

Mina said: "The wizarding world has become so established now, what she did was entrust creative minds to tell their version of her worlds, our book is just one of those manifestations as well so it's almost like she's done her genius and now she hands over the baton."

The baton is now carried by the franchise's stars, such as Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Tom Felton - who have remained much loved in the eyes of Harry Potter fans - and, of course, Potterheads themselves.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence contact Mindline Trans+ on 0300 330 5468. The line is open 8pm–midnight Mondays and Fridays and is run by trans volunteers