Sebastian Croft, star of the LGBTQ+ Netflix series Heartstopper, is involved in the new Harry Potter game Hogwarts Legacy — and fans are upset.
.@SebastianCroft will take on Voice 1 of the Playable Character. #HogwartsLegacy
Sebastian will provide the voice for one of the playable characters.
The Netflix adaptation of Heartstopper has become a sensational hit among fans due to its representation of the LGBTQ community and the advocacy by its cast, including Sebastian.
So, Sebastian's involvement in the video game doesn't sit well with fans considering series creator J. K. Rowling's anti-trans beliefs.
Here's what some of the fans had to say:
rejoining the hs fandom for 0.5 seconds to make it very clear that sebastian croft being in the new harry potter game is weird and transphobic and if you’re supporting or defending him you are prioritizing a cis white actor over real trans people who will be harmed
It’s pretty clear and easy. The LGBTQIA+ community is telling you that supporting JKs IP is harming the community. If you are an ally, you will take that to heart and not support JK or Hogwarts Legacy. If you choose to support, you aren’t an ally when it doesn’t benefit you.
And the criticism of problematic Harry Potter themes doesn't stop there.
okay heartstopper stannies please remember that bash being a part of hogwarts legacy means that he is willingly taking part in a project that project antisemitic stereotypes and actively harms jewish people
This tweet appears to be in reference to antisemitic caricatures of characters like the goblins, which were called out by many, including Jon Stewart and Pete Davidson.
Amid the backlash, Sebastian took to his Twitter to respond to the fans, explain his involvement, and reiterate his support for the community.
"I was cast in this project over three years ago, back when all Harry Potter was to me, was the magical world I grew up with. This was long before I was aware of J. K. Rowling's views. I believe wholeheartedly that trans women are women and trans men are men."
"I know far more now than I did three years ago, and hope to learn far more in the next three. I’m really sorry to anyone hurt by this announcement. There is no LGB without the T ❤️"
Some folks responded with support for Sebastian:
@SebastianCroft Glad you clarified but I never doubted your beliefs and support of the community. Toxic fans will be toxic fans. Wish we could expel them from this lovely Heartstopper fandom…
@SebastianCroft I am trans and I never doubted your allyship for a moment JK hurt and shocked a lot of us when her true colours were shown. So much love always to you and yours ❤️❤️
While others still remained critical of his involvement:
@SebastianCroft then why are u still apart of the project???
@SebastianCroft Figured that was the case but it's still disappointing that you and others have found yourselves in a position where you're contributing to something that gives Rowling a profit regardless. It's the situation that's disappointing rather you as an individual. We all move forward.
You can see Sebastian's tweet below and the full conversation here:
I was cast in this project over 3 years ago, back when all Harry Potter was to me, was the magical world I grew up with. This was long before I was aware of JK Rowling’s views. I believe whole heartedly that trans women are women and trans men are men. https://t.co/QTAMClZDda