Harry Potter star Tom Felton defends co-star Daniel Radcliffe amid drug-taking allegations

Nov 22 2009 by Sophie Cross, Sunday Mercury

EVIL Draco Malfoy last night leapt to the defence of Harry Potter – after his arch-enemy had a spell of trouble in a drugs row.

Actor Tom Felton, who plays malevolent Malfoy in the money-spinning movies, defended co-star Daniel Radcliffe after reports that the boy wizard was caught smoking cannabis.

On a flying visit to Birmingham, 22 year-old Felton rubbished the rumours that have dogged Radcliffe since a partygoer claimed to have seen him smoking a spliff.

The reveller said he overheard the Harry Potter actor telling guests ‘I love weed’ at the north London bash in a private house.

Radcliffe was pictured inhaling from a rolled-up cigarette and giggling as a friend drew a moustache on his face during the party.

Felton came to the defence of his enemy yesterday when he appeared at the Memorabilia exhibition at Birmingham’s NEC.

The actor, who lives in Surrey, said he admired his co-star’s resilience in dealing with ‘fabricated’ stories.

“Obviously Daniel and Emma (Watson, who plays Hermione Granger) are under more pressure to keep a squeaky-clean image. When the media fabricates stories I don’t think it’s really fair on those poor guys.”

“Those guys couldn’t be more professional, especially Daniel, not only with the acting part but dealing with the day-to-day stuff. I look up to him.

“We’ve all worked together for so long. They’re all lovely people.”

Daniel Radcliffe has refuted the allegations, insisting he only smokes ‘the occasional roll-up cigarette’.

Felton said he spoke to him just after the controversy erupted.