The Context: A Rising Tide of Far-Right Sentiment

The question posed to Grint came amidst growing concerns about the resurgence of far-right ideologies in both the UK and internationally. Recent reports indicate a concerning increase in extremist activity and rhetoric, prompting calls for public figures to actively condemn such movements. This isn’t an isolated incident; actors and artists at the Berlin Film Festival, including Michelle Yeoh and those involved with Nightborn, have faced similar inquiries about their political positions.

Grint, who has historically maintained a relatively private life, responded by stating, “Obviously, I’m against it.” He added, “But I choose my moments when to speak. But I think yeah, it’s obviously hugely relevant now. You’ll hear from me.” This measured response, while affirming his opposition to fascism, was quickly met with criticism online.

The actor’s reluctance to elaborate further has ignited a debate about the responsibility of celebrities to use their platforms for political advocacy. Is it enough to simply state opposition, or do public figures have a moral obligation to actively engage in the fight against hate and extremism?

Grint’s previous public statements, notably his vocal support for the trans community in 2020 alongside other Harry Potter cast members, demonstrate a willingness to take a stand on social issues. This history adds another layer to the current controversy, with some questioning why he appeared hesitant to address the rise of fascism with similar directness.

He has largely remained out of the public eye since the conclusion of the Harry Potter series, opting for smaller, character-driven projects like the dark comedy Sick Note and M. Night Shyamalan’s psychological thriller Servant. Nightborn marks only his second film role since 2015, following Shyamalan’s 2023 film, Knock at the Cabin.

Grint has previously spoken about the dehumanizing effects of fame, recounting years of relentless paparazzi attention since being cast as Ron Weasley at the age of 11. This experience may contribute to his cautious approach to public discourse.

However, the online backlash was swift and vocal. Critics labeled his response as “spineless” and accused him of failing to adequately address the gravity of the situation. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Oh my god, why is every single person at this festival so far being spineless?” Another argued that artists have a responsibility to use their platforms to speak out against injustice, stating, “I need actors to remember that they are artists and that art is always political.”

Some even called for Grint to specifically denounce figures like Donald Trump and policies enacted by ICE, despite his lack of direct involvement in US politics. This highlights the expectation that celebrities should leverage their influence to address global issues.

In contrast, Michelle Yeoh opted to decline answering a question about US politics, stating she lacked sufficient understanding of the situation to offer informed commentary. Charli XCX, also at the festival, praised the event for showcasing politically charged films but was not directly questioned about the rise of fascism in the UK.

The debate extends beyond Grint’s individual response, raising broader questions about the role of celebrities in political discourse. Is it fair to demand that actors and artists consistently weigh in on complex social and political issues? Or does their public platform inherently come with a responsibility to use their voice for good?

Director Hanna Bergholm and screenwriter Ilja Rautsi of Nightborn offered contrasting perspectives, both publicly displaying support for Palestine and emphasizing the importance of artists using their platforms to address injustice. Rautsi stated, “Art is all about empathy… it’s maybe good to create some form of pressure, or just to get people aware of whatever is happening in the world.”

As Garbage’s Shirley Manson previously told Metro, artists possess a unique ability to “criticise power and the abuse of power” by voicing perspectives often suppressed within the system. Manson’s insights underscore the potential for art to serve as a catalyst for social change.

What level of political engagement should we expect from those in the public eye? And at what point does the demand for commentary overshadow the artistic work itself?

Frequently Asked Questions About Rupert Grint and the Controversy