J.K. Rowling slams Hermione casting critics

Harry Potter author has reflected on the criticism that followed the announcement that actor Noma Dumezweni was cast as Hermione Granger.

Author JK Rowling has shared her anger at a “bunch of racists” over the casting of a black Hermione in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child .

Olivier award-winning actor Noma Dumezweni was cast as Hermione in the eagerly-anticipated two-part play, and now the Harry Potter author has reflected on the criticism that followed the announcement, reported Digital Spy.

“With my experience of social media, I thought that idiots were going to idiot,” Rowling told The Observer.

“But what can you say? That’s the way the world is. Noma was chosen because she was the best actress for the job.”

“I had a bunch of racists telling me that because Hermione ‘turned white’ — that is, lost colour from her face after a shock — that she must be a white woman, which I have a great deal of difficulty with.

“But I decided not to get too agitated about it and simply state quite firmly that Hermione can be a black woman with my absolute blessing and enthusiasm.”

Back in December, the author posted “Rowling loves black Hermione” on Twitter.

Canon: brown eyes, frizzy hair and very clever. White skin was never specified. Rowling loves black Hermione >https://t.co/5fKX4InjTH

— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) >December 21, 2015

Last week, a > series of first-look images were posted of the actors in character for the play, including Draco Malfoy, Rose Granger-Weasley and Ginny and Albus Potter.