The Heartstopper series, a Netflix hit celebrated for its LGBTQ+ representation, has a devoted fanbase. So, when news broke that Croft, who plays Ben, was involved in a project tied to J.K. Rowling, some fans were upset. The controversy stems from Rowling’s remarks on transgender issues, which have been widely criticized as transphobic.

Croft didn’t remain silent in the face of the backlash. He took to Twitter to explain: “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 wholeheartedly that trans women are women and trans men are men.” He added, “I know far more now than I did 3 years ago, and hope to learn far more in the next 3. I’m really sorry to anyone hurt by this announcement. There is no LGB without the T.”

Adding to the conversation, Daniel Radcliffe, the original Harry Potter, has also voiced his stance against Rowling’s comments. In an interview with IndieWire, he said, “The reason I 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. Seeing them hurt on that day, I wanted them to know that not everybody in the franchise felt that way.”