ABOVE: Daniel Radcliffe (C) and the cast of “Harry Potter.” Photo via HBO Max/Facebook.
Daniel Radcliffe, whose titular role in “Harry Potter” catapulted him to early fame, reflected on his support for LGBTQ fans of the franchise Nov. 1, a contrast to the series’ creator.
J.K. Rowling’s transphobic views first made headlines in 2020, drawing widespread condemnation from human rights groups and more. Radcliffe was among the “Harry Potter” stars who spoke out against her anti-LGBTQ commentary.
The actor is currently promoting his new film “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story,” a Weird Al biopic. Addressing his decision to do so in a new interview with IndieWire, he reiterated his support for the trans community.
“The reason I was felt very, very much as though I needed to say something when I did was because, particularly since finishing ‘Potter,’ I’ve met so many queer and trans kids and young people who had a huge amount of identification with ‘Potter’ on that,” Radcliffe said.
“And so seeing them hurt on that day I was like, I wanted them to know that not everybody in the franchise felt that way,” he continued. “And that was really important.”
Radcliffe also referenced his work with The Trevor Project. The nonprofit provides crisis support for LGBTQ youth.
“It was really important as I’ve worked with the Trevor Project for more than 10 years, and so I don’t think I would’ve been able to look myself in the mirror had I not said anything,” he added. “But it’s not mine to guess what’s going on in someone else’s head.”
Read IndieWire’s interview here.