The young actors cast as Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger in HBO's forthcoming television adaptation will not attend the Oxford Street Christmas lights switch-on, with the network citing safety concerns amid potential protests.
The West End shopping street is set to feature specially created illuminated designs inspired by the wizarding world this festive season. The lights will be switched on Monday, November 9, coinciding with the launch of the new HBO Original series Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and the opening of the UK's largest official Harry Potter flagship shop on Oxford Street, due to open on November 4.
Network confirms absence of child stars
Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton, who play Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, are the new main trio of the series. The television network said in a statement: "We're excited to bring the magic of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone to Oxford Street – and screens – this Christmas.
"With production of our second season already under way, we are mindful of our young actors' busy schedules and are judicious when it comes to asks of their time on top of their production and education commitments. We have therefore decided not to involve our young actors in the official switch-on event for the Oxford Street Christmas lights."
Safety concerns and recent protests
According to reports from The Sun, HBO bosses met stakeholders who expressed concern about the safety of the children in light of recent protests. Insiders told the publication: "It was all looking really exciting but sadly there are concerns about their safety. With the stakeholders, it was decided the child actors won't appear. No one wants to risk their safety if protests go ahead."
Met Police officers are also understood to be in attendance to monitor the event. Earlier this month, trans-rights demonstrators rushed the red carpet ahead of the gala performance of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, in protest against author JK Rowling. The individuals, who wore masks and hats to conceal their identity, lay down on the red carpet during the event at the Palace Theatre in London. The protesters, one wearing a shirt which read "Rowling money kills", were swiftly removed by security.
Elsewhere, more than 10,000 people have signed a petition sent to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan asking him to cancel the themed lights. "Harry Potter lights in one of the busiest streets of London will not make trans people feel Christmassy, welcome, or safe," the petition launched by the not-for-profit campaign organisation Good Law Project (GLP) reads. His office said it was not responsible for organising the Oxford Street Christmas lights, which are arranged by the New West End Company.
The 61-year-old author has faced controversy in recent years due to her critical views on self-declared gender identity, which she has called "anti-science". However, she has denied being transphobic, stating that she respects "every trans person's right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them". Her outspoken views have divided fans of the franchise and sparked a recent wave of protests and boycotts by trans rights activists targeting Harry Potter-themed events and locations.
