Actor Sebastian Croft has responded to criticism of his involvement in the Harry Potter video game Hogwarts Legacy.

The upcoming game, which Croft stars in, has faced calls for a boycott due to JK Rowling’s views on trans rights.

Rowling, the creator of Harry Potter, has been criticised by LGBT+ fans and organisations for her comments on transgender rights. The author has denied accusations of transphobia.

Last week it was announced that Croft will lend his voice to one of two playable characters in Hogwarts Legacya high-budget role-playing game set in the world of Harry Potter.

Croft is best known for his leading roles in Heart Stoppera Netflix teen drama series that was celebrated for its LGBT+ representation and themes.

In response to criticism of his involvement in Hogwarts LegacyCroft reiterated his support for transgender rights.

“I was cast for this project over three years ago, back when all Harry Potter was the magical world I grew up in,” he wrote on Twitter. “That 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 a lot more now than I did three years ago and hope to learn a lot more in the next three years. I am truly sorry to anyone who was hurt by this announcement. There is no LGB without the T.”

Harry Potter Star Harry Melling was recently asked about his opinion on Rowling in an interview with The Independent.

“I can only speak for myself, and what I feel is very simple for me,” he says, “which is that transgender women are women and transgender men are men. Every single person has the right to choose who they are and to identify as they are.”

“I don’t want to get involved in the debate where people point fingers and say ‘this is right, this is wrong’ because I don’t think I’m the right spokesperson for that. But I believe that everyone has the right to choose.”