Harry Potter fans had their world turned upside down recently after Hermione Granger actor Emma Watson revealed the moment she ‘fell in love’ with Draco Malfoy star Tom Felton.

The special sent viewers into meltdown as the pair revealed they forged a strong bond over the years, with Tom saying he felt ‘very protective’ over her.

Now, Emma has spoken about the reaction to the revelations, and her relationship with Tom is clearly something she holds very dear to her. 

Speaking about him during an interview with Vogue, she said: ‘We speak most weeks, and we just think it’s sweet.’

Asked how it was to be reunited with her co-star, Emma said: ‘Like heaven, honestly. I am just so happy they still exist!’ 

‘When Rupert [Grint] says things, he really means them. I was taken aback by how vulnerable and kind he was deciding to be so publicly,’ she went on to say. ‘Similarly for Dan [Radcliffe], it really touched me how reflective he had been over the years about how different it had been for me as a girl.’

Discussing the film’s sets she got to revisit, Emma also said: ‘Most film sets are torn down the minute a scene is finished. I am so happy they are still there for people to enjoy, me included. [Production designer] Stuart Craig is truly a genius. What he did is perfect.’

Emma previously shared the moment her romantic feelings for Tom escalated when they were teenagers on set, recalling a tutoring session they were both a part of.

‘The assignment that had been given was to draw what you thought god looked like, and Tom had drawn a girl with a backward cap on a skateboard. And I just don’t how to say it – I just fell in love with him,’ she said.

‘I used to come in every day and look for his number on the call sheet, it was number seven, and if his name was on the call sheet, it was an extra exciting day. He was three years above me and so for him he was like, you’re like my little sister.’

Recollecting how he was told about Emma’s crush when he was sitting in the hair and make-up chair, Tom said: ‘I became very protective over her. Yeah, I’ve always had a soft spot for her and that continues to the day.

‘There’s always been something that’s like, I don’t know, a kinship.’

Meanwhile, Emma also recently addressed the gaffe that was made in the Harry Potter Reunion concerning a photo that supposedly showed her as a child – but actually featured a different Hollywood actor.

Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts is available to watch on Sky and NOW.

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Emma Watson was looking as chic as ever as she attended a star-studded pre-Bafta party in London on Saturday night.

The actress, 31, partied with the likes of Alexa Chung and Doctor Who star Jenna Coleman at the lavish party on March 12, hosted by Charles Finch x Chanel.

Worlds collided as the Harry Potter star attended the event alongside Fantastic Beasts icon Eddie Redmayne, with the hundreds-strong crowd partying until the early hours of Sunday morning.

Hosted at luxury club The LouLou in Mayfair, the famous Night Before Bafta Dinner saw the actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador combine smart and glamorous in a fiery affair.

Emma wore a daring lacy black cut-out top which showed off her toned body, with a high-rise black skirt reaching to her thighs.

She coupled this with unique zebra-print all-in-one stockings and high-heeled shoes, and finished the look with a gorgeous black blazer.

Finishing the look, Emma opted for silver earrings, rings and a bracelet, and tied her hair up in a playful, messy up-do.

She highlighted her natural beauty with toned-down makeup, opting for blush, pale lipstick and striking eyelashes and brows.

The former child star looked in good spirits as she headed home from the night at around 2am, smiling for the cameras as she was walked out of the building by staff.

Now a respected advocate for women’s rights as the head of UN Women’s gender equality campaign HeForShe, as well as still enjoying a successful acting career, Emma recently visited her roots as she took part in the lauded Harry Potter reunion.

Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts gave fans a trip down memory lane as Emma, along with co-stars Rupert Grint, Daniel Radcliffe, Tom Felton and the huge cast of supporting actors discussed the impact of the movies and recalled their childhoods growing up on the famous set.

Potterheads were driven wild when, during the show, Emma recalled the moment she ‘fell in love’ with Draco Malfoy actor Tom.

She later responded to the huge reaction over the sweet revelation, and told Vogue that she and Tom ‘speak most weeks, and I just think it’s sweet’.

Hopefully those present at the star-studded event didn’t party too hard, and will be ready for the main event which begins on Sunday evening.

This year’s Bafta Film Awards are set to take place on March 13, honouring the best in British and international contributions to film, and will be hosted by Rebel Wilson. 

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Harry Potter actress Emma Watson appeared to throw a subtle dig at JK Rowling at the Bafta Film Awards. 

The 31-year-old, who is best known for playing Hermione Granger in the blockbuster franchise, attended the star-studded ceremony on Sunday to present the award for best outstanding British film. 

Baftas host Rebel Wilson did the honours of introducing Watson to the stage, and said: ‘Here to present the next award is Emma Watson. She calls herself a feminist, but we all know she’s a witch.’ 

Watson then appeared on-stage with a cheeky smile and said: ‘I’m here for all of the witches by the way.’ 

Viewers took it as a jab towards Harry Potter author Rowling, who has come under fire in recent years for her controversial comments about the transgender community and the definition of a woman. 

Reacting to Watson’s comment, one viewer tweeted: ‘Live for Emma Watson throwing subtle shade at JK Rowling at the #BAFTAs #LGBWithTheT #JKDoesntSpeakForMe.’ 

‘Was that a jibe by emma watson at jk rowling? what a QUEEEEENNN,’ another cheered. 

One weighed in: ‘Emma Watson throwing some classy shade there.’ 

Another said: ‘Emma Watson’s “I’m here for *all* of the witches, by the way” was a giant dig at JK and I love her for it.’ 

‘Emma Watson opening with “I’m here for all the witches…” She’s here for #TransRights. #TransWomenAreWomen,’ one other tweeted. 

Wilson also took a swipe at Rowling earlier in the awards show when a photo of her at the 2020 Baftas appeared on-screen. 

She told the audience in reference to her weight loss: ‘That was me two years ago and since then I’ve done quite a transformation – I hope JK Rowling still approves.’ 

The controversy surrounding Rowling began in 2020, when she criticised an article that used the term ‘people who menstruate’ instead of women. 

She later explained her earlier comments, saying: ‘At the same time, my life has been shaped by being female. I do not believe it’s hateful to say so.’ 

The author added that she respects ‘every trans person’s rights to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them’.

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I don’t know what’s worse: a young actress revealing the extent of sexualisation she’s become an increasingly larger victim of, or that I’m no longer surprised by such revelations.

Am I a monster, or am I exhausted?

The public, and the media – no two ways about it – has been pretty creepy towards young female stars for eons now and while I don’t have the answers as to how we make it stop (even as someone who’s a member of aforementioned media), I can at least use this platform to try to call out how insidious this kind of attitude towards young women is and how it threatens all of us – not just the famous.

And yes, before you ‘what about’ me on the subject, people are also dodgy towards young men in the public eye. We only need to see previous treatment of Millie Bobby Brown’s Stranger Things co-star Finn Woldhard to know that is definitely a thing. 

But there is a systemic issue in the treatment of young women – with women in minority communities, as well as those in the LGBT community subjected to this on top of bigoted discrimination and prejudice – and that is why I’ve gathered you here today.

After being sexualised as a young teen rising to fame in the evidently seedy world of showbusiness, and previously opening up about it when she turned 16, Millie this week spoke about how much worse the interest got when she recently turned 18.

‘[It’s] really overwhelming. I have definitely been dealing with that more in the last couple weeks of turning 18,’ she said on the Guilty Feminist podcast.

‘[I’m] definitely seeing a difference between the way people act and the way the press and social media react to me coming of age. It’s gross.’

Long before she turned 18, the star – who was cast as Eleven in Stranger Things in 2016 at the age of 12 – was being sexualised online, with comments lobbed her way, such as those from armchair critics who suggested she was dressing ‘too grown up’.

Then, the forums began to pop up. 

One such included an 18+ Reddit chat that counted down to the star’s birthday, was teased as ‘NSFW’ and was to ‘unlock’ only when she reached the milestone age. I s**t you not.

Disgustingly, a description of the page, shared in another forum, read: ‘[It’s] to post sexual pictures of her the day she turns 18. It’s a sub solely dedicated to sexual pictures of Millie, who is currently a minor, until next week but they have a sub prepared already with thousands of subscribers.’

Yes, there were people actually waiting until it was ‘legal’ for them to post sexual pictures of her. This is apparently a thing that happens to female stars when they turn 18, with similar websites popping up ahead of the Olsen twins’ birthday back in the day.

Millie’s not the first to speak about this level of crude sexualisation, with former child star Mara Wilson revealing before she was out of middle school, she was ‘featured on foot fetish websites, photoshopped into child porn, and received all kinds of letters and messages online from grown men’.

Emma Watson was also a victim of this, after upskirting shots of her were published in mainstream media the day she turned 18, which would have been illegal only 24 hours prior.

It’s a sad reflection on society when these sorts of revelations, which *should* raise all sorts of alarm bells that lead to meaningful change, just don’t shock me anymore. 

Is it because, as a young female myself, I’ve been exposed to this sort of thing, be it directly to me, or in my general sphere, for nearly two decades now? As a woman, am I both horrified but also, wildly desensitised? Has society got me so down I’ve simply given up?

God, I hope not.

We’ve probably all subconsciously shared sentiments about stars like Millie such as ‘wow, she’s so grown up now’, which, at the time, might not intend to come from a predatory place, but when you think about the fact we’re still commenting on a teenage girl’s body, or what she’s wearing, it’s pretty bloody creepy, isn’t it? So while you may think I’m bleating on about something that you don’t see as a problem, it really is.

Even under a story of the star’s remarks about being sexualised, I saw a comment remarking how Millie’s ‘kid-teen’ looks were ‘long gone’. We just can’t help ourselves, can we?

Again for the cheap seats at the back, whether it’s positive, or from a place of support, just because these women are famous does not make their bodies public domain. If they’re not yet 18, it *really* bloody doesn’t make their bodies public domain. Keep comments to self, people.

Heard of the Lolita Effect? It’s a term coined in a 2008 book by Meenakshi Gigi Durham, derived from Vladimir Nabokov’s novel Lolita, which is all about a middle-aged professor becoming obsessed with a 12-year-old girl, and refers to the media sexualisation of girls, as well as the blame that can be put on them for their part in abuse or harassment that girls face.

Lolita was published in 1955, remember. So we’ve clearly not learned any lessons here, and the internet, a haven of gross, is just giving this Lolita energy a place to expand.

Plus, to rub salt into the wounds, even when their bodies are not treated as theirs – when they’re objectified, when older men in boardrooms make decisions about the ‘image’ they’re going to publicly portray, when they’re hacked and nude photos of them are leaked online, it’s still seen as their fault. How many female stars have been forced to apologise for the sexualisation of their own bodies that they did not consent to. Isn’t that wild? 

Perhaps it’s because we’ve seen what happens when these young stars don’t bend to the whim of the powers that be – they’re cast aside. The ol’ adage of sex sells has never rung more true, it matters not to the executives whether the starlet is of age, and that mentality is clearly passed own to the consumers and baying fans.

But if we continue to allow this sort of behaviour and conversation fester in the comments of Instagram posts and remain unchecked in Reddit forums, we’re only allowing that weed to grow when discussing non-famous women. 

By shrugging off Millie’s comments as ‘what you get for being famous’ it’s merely justifying that rhetoric to be weaponised against ourselves. And huns, we’re not about that life.

Well look at that, I’m not feeling so exhausted any more: let’s rage.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk. 

Share your views in the comments below.

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Emma Watson’s famous pixie cut has returned, as she made her directorial debut with a short film for the launch of Prada’s new women’s fragrance.

The actress, 32, is also the face of the campaign and chopped off her signature shoulder-length brunette tresses for the striking hair transformation.

The Harry Potter star is seen in the somewhat edgy image, captured for the campaign by photographer Harley Weir and posted on the Prada site and on social media, posing with the chopped do from a side profile.

Emma, who is in a sleeveless, silk, burnt orange top, paired the look with dangly Prada earrings and dramatic retro eyeliner.

Last year the star revealed she’d spent lockdown ‘getting behind the camera’, describing the experience as ‘the most empowering thing’.

She shared a frame from the film on Instagram and wrote: ‘When Prada asked me to be the face of their new fragrance campaign, I asked if I could direct it.

‘Months later, and I’m able to share the results of the faith they shared in me, with all of you.

‘I can’t wait to share this piece of my art, and hope that you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it.

‘I could never have done this without my unbelievable team of collaborators. Thank you for your time, commitment, talent and passion. My directorial debut and Prada’s newest refillable fragrance, coming soon.’

In a statement from the Italian fashion house, she added: ‘Prada has always gone beyond traditional models and archetypes of conceived beauty and is famous for a femininity that challenges conventions.

‘It’s a pleasure to create a campaign and represent a fragrance with such a profound philosophical concept and sustainability initiatives in a way that feels genuinely real and relevant.’

The actresses’ collaboration with Prada also involves a focus on improving the brand’s sustainability and disclosure practices, which will be charted on their Good On You ethical fashion app.

Since the final Harry Potter film in 2011, the star, who thrilled fans by taking part in a Harry Potter reunion special on Sky last December has gone on to be one of the industry’s top actresses.

She starred as Belle in the 2017 adaptation of Beauty And The Beast and appeared as Meg March in Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Little Women.

Emma is also an activist for women’s rights and was appointed a UN Women goodwill ambassador in 2014.

She has since helped launch the UN Women campaign HeForShe, which promotes gender equality.

The Prada fragrance will launch worldwide on August 22.

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Now, it’s no secret that Harry Potter is a mega money franchise, but the amount Tom Felton was paid for his role in the films is truly eye-watering.

Tom, now 35, was just 13-years-old when he hit the big time by scoring the role of Draco Malfoy in the movie adaptations of JK Rowling’s bestselling books.

But despite fans (aka Potterheads) knowing him as one of the franchise’s most iconic characters, Tom actually only had 31 minutes and 45 seconds of screen time across the entire eight films.

And even though he was on the big screen for just over half an hour, the British actor still reportedly eared a whopping £14million – that will have bought him a wand or two!

Naturally, the likes of Daniel Radcliffe (titular star Harry), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) had more screen time as the leads, as broken down by IMDB.

The online database shows that Daniel had 539 minutes of screen time, Emma had 205 minutes, and Rupert had 211 minutes.

Tom’s total screen time was slightly less than Ralph Fiennes, who played terrifying villain Lord Voldermort for a total of 37 minutes and 15 seconds across all the films.

Harry’s school foe Draco also appeared for less time than the late Robbie Coltrane, who played beloved Rubeus Hagrid.

The star – who died on October 14 of this year – was on camera for 45 minutes and 45 seconds as the half human, half giant.

As far as salaries go, according to The Mirror, Tom reportedly made £451,613 per minute of screen time – not bad for a teenager, eh?

Although, according to the Express, the child star revealed to the Daily Mail in 2010 that he ran into financial trouble after he ‘wasted’ his cash.

Tom is said to have splashed out on luxury cars, mostly BMWs, despite his mother warning him that he would lose money on them.

‘There was a scary two years where it was madness because I was really in trouble with the taxman. I had been working for eight years and all I had to show for it was this horrible debt,’ he said.

‘At one point we had the bailiff at the door.’

Thankfully, Tom said he ‘managed to get out of the situation’ and is now back on his feet, but confessed it was a result of him ‘burying his head in the sand.’

‘I’ve spent the past year and a half with an accountant, trying to understand VAT, DVD residuals and things like that,’ he added at the time.

‘I’ve had to really grow up.’

Oh, and we know you now wanna know how much the rest of the cast eared, so don’t say we never give you anything…

Rupert as Ron is said to have earned £37million (and actually bought an ice cream van with his millions), whereas Emma reportedly earned a very nice £62million.

However, she was, in true Hermione style, extremely sensible with her money.

She previously revealed that her father never told her how much she was earning from the films, and she lived on an allowance of £50 a week until she was 18.

‘When I was 18 my father sat me down for a money conversation,’ she explained.

‘By the fourth film the money was starting to get serious. I had no idea. I felt sick, very emotional.’

As for Daniel, he reportedly earned £84million as the leading man… yes, we’re now begging for someone to invent a time machine so we can go back and become child actors too.

But, like Emma, he hasn’t always been a big spender.

‘I don’t do a huge amount with my money,’ he told James O’Brien’s podcast Full Disclosure.

‘I’m not particularly extravagant. There are moments where I think, “Man, I’m really bad at being famous”.’

Don’t worry, Dan, we could always help you out…

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Emma Watson shared a heartfelt message to an inspirational autistic fan, who is a huge fan of Harry Potter.

The Hermione Granger actor appeared on Friday’s The Late Late Toy Show, the annual special of the long-running chat show, which showcases the popular toys of the year, on RTE via a video link to speak to Caitriona Kalogeraki, 10.

Caitriona, who raises awareness of autism, was completely taken aback when the Little Women star popped up while testing out Hogwarts-themed games.

Sat in front of some jazzy curtains in the clip, Emma, 32, said: ‘I wanted to send you a message to thank you for all you do to spread awareness around Autism and for speaking about it so eloquently and in a way that empowers and educates other young people.’

‘Thank you for picking me as your favourite Harry Potter character.

‘You seem like such an amazing and special young woman. I’ve heard that you can solve a Rubik’s cube in a crazy amount of time. I am sending all the best and a warm hello from London.’

Caitriona, whose jaw dropped, looked absolutely thrilled to be receiving the message from The Perks of Being a Wallflower performer.

After the message, Caitriona shared: ‘So I have this thing called autism, I don’t think of it as superpower.

‘I think of it as an ability. It’s actually classified as a disability but I think it’s more of an ability.

‘I get emotional, I cry a lot at school but it’s also really cool because I get really happy and I love being Autistic.

‘I just want to say a message for kids out there, if you are neurodivergent and just feel different, I just want to say that you are so so special and you are amazing.’

Heartstopper star Bradley Riches, who has autism, recently spoke to Metro.co.uk about portraying the condition on screen.

‘Acting is an escapism for me. I feel free and understood when playing characters when, most of the time, I felt misunderstood as Bradley. I am so happy that I can show autistic people that they aren’t alone and that they aren’t invisible – they are beautiful and magical,’ Bradley said.

His character James isn’t autistic – or at least, it hasn’t been publicly revealed yet – but as Bradley says, there’s certainly scope for it to happen.

The Late Late Show airs Fridays at 9.35pm on RTE One.

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The Christmas TV season is now very much upon us, and a common question on many lips is where the Harry Potter movies can be found.

Though the wizarding series isn’t explicitly a Christmas story, the majority of the movies were released around this time of year.

In later years, they have become staple viewing for families up and down the UK (and around the world) as December 25 draws closer and closer.

Each of the films, based on books written by author JK Rowling, also featured extended Christmas sequences, complete with massive feasts and knitted Weasley gifts.

So, where can the Harry Potter movies and Fantastic Beasts films be found on streaming services this Christmas?

Where can you watch the Harry Potter movies?

Like most big movie franchises these days, streaming services will be your first port of call when sitting down to watch your favourite Christmas flicks.

All eight of the Harry Potter movies can be rented on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and the Sky Store for the price of £3.49.

The Fantastic Beasts films, three of which have been released to date, are all available on the same streaming services for the same price of £3.49.

Sadly, it looks like the Harry Potter films won’t be available to watch on free-to-air TV. In the last few years, Sky Cinema has exclusively shown the films.

ITV used to broadcast all eight of the films throughout the Christmas period, but since 2019, that unfortunately hasn’t been the case.

Another option would be to buy the physical copies of the films, either on DVD or Blu-ray, from your nearest media and entertainment retailer.

What order should you watch in?

The recommended order for watching each of the Harry Potter movies would be the order of release, beginning with 2001’s The Philosopher’s Stone.

The Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban, The Goblet of Fire, The Order of the Phoenix, The Half-Blood Prince, and Deathly Hallows Part 1 and 2 would therefore follow, going in the same order as the seven books (the last of which was split into two movies).

With regards to the Fantastic Beasts films, the Eddie Redmayne-starring series would be best viewed after each of the Harry Potter films.

However, it’s important to note that the story of Fantastic Beasts takes place decades before the events of the Harry Potter series, which means they could technically be watched beforehand if you’d rather going in the story’s chronological order.

The Fantastic Beasts films do contain characters who feature prominently in the Harry Potter series, such as Albus Dumbledore.

We would recommend watching all eight Harry Potter films before watching the three Fantastic Beasts films, which were all released from 2016 onwards.

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Emma Watson fuelled speculation she was back with her ex-boyfriend Brendan Wallace after the former couple were spotted in the crowd at Taylor Swift’s Las Vegas concert.

The 32-year-old Harry Potter actress was previously linked to the entrepreneur in 2018 when they were snapped locking lips during a Mexican getaway.

Pictures of the potential couple circulated social media and showed Emma and Brendan smiling away as they bopped to the pop princess’s famous hits.

Brendan is a co-founder and managing partner of a venture capital fund called Fifth Wall Ventures according to his LinkedIn page and focuses ‘on technologies for the global real estate industry, including those which decarbonize the sector’.

In images shared on Twitter, the British star was seen wearing an oversized beige shearling jacket over the top of a black round neck sweater.

She donned minimal makeup and let her short tresses hang loose around her shoulders.

Her suspected lover kept it casual in a blue dress shirt which he wore unbuttoned over the top of a turquoise t-shirt and black jeans.

Emma has previously been linked to co-star and fellow actor Tom Felton, 35.

The star regularly praised the new author of Beyond the Wand: The Magic & Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard and admitted he was ‘one of the purest loves’.

She wrote in the introduction to Tom’s book release: ‘When we first met, I was a moody and probably rather annoying nine-year-old girl who followed him round like a puppy, desperate for his attention.

‘But, as he has written so eloquently, beautifully, and generously in this book, our friendship didn’t end there. Thank goodness it blossomed and endured.

‘Like Tom, I always struggle to explain to people the nature of our connection and relationship. For more than twenty years now, we’ve loved each other in a special way.

‘It’s one of the purest loves I can think of. We’re soulmates, and we’ve always had each other’s backs. I know we always will. It makes me emotional to think about it’.

Emma and Tom were both part of the wizard franchise written by JK Rowling and starred in the much-loved films from the very beginning.

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Emma Watson and Philip Green’s son Brandon have reportedly called time on their ‘serious’ relationship.

The Harry Potter actress, 33, first sparked rumours she was dating Brandon after they were pictured disembarking from a helicopter in Battersea, London in 2021.

While the Little Women star and the tech investments company founder never confirmed their romance, they have been spotted holding hands on dates, including during a Venice getaway.

Their 18-month relationship was described as ‘serious’ by a source with both of them meeting each other’s parents.

However, the insider has now claimed to the Daily Mail Emma and Brandon, 29, decided to part ways around Christmas time.

In March, Emma sparked rumours she had reunited with her ex-boyfriend Brendan Wallace after they were spotted at a Taylor Swift concert in Las Vegas.

She was previously linked to the entrepreneur in 2018 when they were snapped locking lips during a romantic break in Mexico.

The UN ambassador was also formerly in a relationship with Californian businessman Leo Robinton, who she dated from 2019 until 2021.

Her other exes include Glee star Chord Overstreet, while she was also linked to Harry Potter co-star Tom Felton.

The star regularly praised the new author of Beyond the Wand: The Magic & Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard and admitted he was ‘one of the purest loves’.

She wrote in the introduction to Tom’s book release: ‘When we first met, I was a moody and probably rather annoying nine-year-old girl who followed him round like a puppy, desperate for his attention.

‘But, as he has written so eloquently, beautifully, and generously in this book, our friendship didn’t end there. Thank goodness it blossomed and endured.

‘Like Tom, I always struggle to explain to people the nature of our connection and relationship. For more than twenty years now, we’ve loved each other in a special way.

‘It’s one of the purest loves I can think of. We’re soulmates, and we’ve always had each other’s backs. I know we always will. It makes me emotional to think about it’.

When Emma was single around her 30th birthday, she famously coined the phrase ‘self-partnered.’

Metro.co.uk has contacted Emma’s reps for comment.

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Emma Watson has been spotted with a new man days after she parted ways with Sir Philip Green’s son Brandon.

The 33-year-old Harry Potter actress sparked new romance rumours after she was snapped spending time with a mystery man last week during a trip to Venice, Italy.

Her jaunt around the Italian city came days after it was reported the star was no longer seeing the Topshop owner’s offspring.

Who is Emma’s new boyfriend?

The star was smiling and laughing alongside American businessman Ryan Walsh, according to The Sun.

During their stay, they were said to have taken a water taxi to the island of La Certosa for dinner reservations where they were joined by two other people.

Emma dressed for summer in a maxi silk dress that featured a busy pattern of tartan-like colours and shapes.

She wore sunglasses on her head that kept her mass of brunette locks off her face and covered her shoulders with a white-lined shirt.

The A-lister opted for comfort and sported a pair of ballerina pump flats and carried her things in a canvas material colourful tote bag.

Her companion put on a plain black T-shirt for his day out in Italy and completed his look with grey linen shorts and a pair of Birkenstock brown sandals.

He carried a metal water bottle in one hand and what appeared to be a laptop in the other and wore a pair of reading glasses on his face.

Who has Emma dated in the past?

Before her outing with Ryan, the star was presumed to be in a relationship with her ex Brandon for around 18 months.

The former couple supposedly called things off after Christmas following a ‘serious’ romance.

Their entanglement was first confirmed when the pair were photographed holding hands also in Venice.

Emma’s relationship history has been notoriously guarded however she is known to have dated rugby player Tom Ducker and fellow Oxford University students Will Adamowicz and Matt Janney.

In an interview with British Vogue ahead of her 30^th birthday, the actress commented on her love life and admitted at the time: ‘It took me a long time, but I’m very happy [being single]. I call it being self-partnered.’

Metro.co.uk contacted Emma’s reps for comment.

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It’s just a matter of days until the 2023 British LGBT Awards ceremony kicks off in London.

The eagerly-anticipated event will honour the celebrities, campaigners and community activists who have helped advance the fight for LGBT+ rights during the past 12 months. 

Rebel Wilson, Kit Connor, Emma Corrin, Yasmin Finney, Joe Lycett and Becky Hill are among the nominees.

Hosted by TV personality Sue Perkins, the awards – sponsored by Macquarie – will bring together some of the biggest names from media and entertainment.

It will also gather some of the country’s biggest businesses for a major night celebrating  LGBT+ achievements. 

‘The British LGBT Awards just gets bigger every year,’ said founder Sarah Garrett MBE. 

‘It really has become a staple event for the LGBT+ community and gives us an opportunity to celebrate the many successes and achievements within our community but most importantly this event shows young people who may be struggling with their sexuality that being lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or transgender is not a barrier to success.

‘The British LGBT Award involves the public on a huge scale, the public decides the nominees and the winners.

‘It is incredible that so many people get involved. Friday’s event is set to be really special – Sue Perkins is returning as host and there are going to be some fantastic moments.

‘We’re really looking forward to it.’

To see the full list of nominations and cast your vote, click here.

Ahead of the event on Friday, which is being supported by Metro, here are six things to expect: 

1. LGBT+ celebrities out in force

Organisers are promising a night packed with celebrity guests.

Not only is Sue Perkins hosting but stars including musician Olly Alexander, comedian Julian Clary, TV presenter Rylan Clark, Britain’s Got Talent judge Bruno Tonioli, boxing legend Nicola Adams and music icons Holly Johnson and Andy Bell are all expected to be in attendance. 

2. Tribute to Paul O’Grady

The untimely passing of TV royalty Paul O’Grady earlier this year sent shockwaves through the LGBT+ community and beyond.

The broadcaster and Lily Savage star was a trailblazer of the LGBT+ community.

O’Grady was known for support of a number of charitable campaigns including those which help people living with HIV and AIDS.

The British LGBT Awards is planning a special tribute to the man himself. 

3. LGBT+ allies showing support

The British LGBT Awards annually celebrates allies of the community with a special award.

Michelle Visage, Harry Styles, Alison Hammond, Emma Watson and Katherine Ryan are all in the running for the Celebrity Ally of the Year gong.

Celebs such as Lorraine Kelly, Denise Welch, Roman Kemp and Shirley Ballas are also expected to attend and show their support.

4. Brand and businesses will be recognised

Some of the country’s best-loved brands and businesses are also in the running for awards for demonstrating their commitment to inclusivity and the LGBT+ community.

BOOTS, Gymshark, Virgin Atltanic and The AA are amongst those vying for in the Brand or Marketing Campaign category.

The hotly contested prize is decided by the British LGBT Awards expert judging panel which includes distinguished names from business and the media. 

5. Big name winners

HRH Prince William, former US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, pop queen Kylie Minogue, Caitlyn Jenner and Ru Paul are just some of the big name winners to bag a British LGBT Award in recent years.

Organisers are tight lipped on this year’s recipients but it is expected that there will be some surprise star guests taking home accolades on the night. 

6. Show-stopping after party

There have been big name DJ performances and celebrities partying into the small honours at the legendary British LGBT Awards after party over the years and it is set to be no different on Friday.

With the event taking place in the middle of Pride month, expect camp classics and a packed dance floor as nominees and winners celebrate their success ‘at Britain’s own gay Oscars’.

To find out more about the ceremony, taking place this Friday, head over to the official website.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

EastEnders fans have been left shocked after spotting Ben Champniss, who plays Shrimpy in the BBC One soap, in one of the Harry Potter films!

The hugely popular series has been put on Netflix, meaning new and old Harry Potter fans could flock to the streaming platform to watch them.

The first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, aired in 2001 and follows a young Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermoine (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint) as they arrive at Hogwarts ready to learn how to become the best wizard they can be.

The finale, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 – was released in 2011 and sees the trio and their pals defeat the Death Eaters and remaining Horcruxes, leading to an intense showdown between Harry Potter and evil Lord Voldemort.

Once Lord Voldemort has been killed (spoilers!), Harry, Hermoine and Ron are left wondering what the future may hold at their beloved school – which is where this surprising link to EastEnders comes in.

As the film draws to a close, an older version of the trio are seen at King’s Cross Station, waving off their children as they board the train ready to leave for Hogwarts.

Moment before the credits roll, we see Harry, Hermoine and Ron for one final time – but many looked behind the characters and spotted Ben aka Shrimpy from EastEnders!

The actor shared a tweet recently, confirming he hasn’t been a Muggle his entire life: ‘Since Netflix started streaming Harry Potter, I’ve received quite a few messages regarding this last scene…Always lovely to hear from you all, and yes, I can confirm….I was a wizard in a former life!’.

Many EastEnders fans commented on Ben’s tweet, with some admitting that they’ve seen that scene so many times, and still failed to spot him!

Ben has played market stall owner Shrimpy since 2014. He is often seen running more than one stall, however, as he’s usually asked to keep an eye on someone else’s when they’re forced to run off, too involved in Albert Square drama!

Shrimpy was the focus of an interesting scene recently, as Eve (Heather Peace) admitted that she had a sex dream about him once and well…he kept his hat on the entire time.

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Emma Watson hit the red carpet alongside her brother Alex at this year’s Soho House Awards and the love between them is real.

The Harry Potter star, 33, and her sibling, 30, linked arms as they arrived at the event in a rare public appearance.

They were among guests at the star-studded event at Dumbo House in New York which ‘recognises and spotlights the incredible work of creative talents across our membership: from established icons to future stars, undiscovered changemakers and all of those in between,’ according to the luxury club.

Emma was the epitome of elegance in a plunging silver fringed top with a sheer, pastel maxi skirt and matching purse.

She wore her hair in an updo which highlighted her glittering earrings used to accessorise.

Alex, meanwhile, looked suave in a dark blue suit and black round-neck T-shirt as he beamed for photos alongside his sister.

Earlier this year, the Little Women actor opened up on the close relationship she has with her brother, who also appeared in the Harry Potter films as an unnamed Hufflepuff student.

In an Instagram post reflecting on her life celebrating her 33rd birthday, Emma credited Alex with helping her ‘find the most challenging things, with time, incredibly funny.’

In July, the siblings joined forces to launch their own gin brand, Renais, inspired by family trips to the Chablis vineyard in France during their childhood.

Emma said in a statement: ‘To me, Renais is a family project, not only does the Chablis region evoke very special memories of growing up, I’ve loved having the opportunity to create something with my brother Alex.

‘I’m particularly proud of upcycling grapes from vineyards (including my dad’s) to reduce waste and create something new, being one of the only gins on the market using mushroom packaging, and our carbon-neutral product status.

‘We will continue to challenge ourselves as much as possible here because this is such a passion of mine.’

It comes after Emma and Philip Green’s son Brandon have reportedly called time on their ‘serious’ relationship.

Rumours began swirling that she was dating Brandon after they were pictured disembarking from a helicopter in Battersea, London in 2021.

However, an insider claimed to the Daily Mail Emma and Brandon, 29, decided to part ways around Christmas time after it was alleged in March she had reunited with her ex-boyfriend Brendan Wallace after they were spotted at a Taylor Swift concert in Las Vegas.

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This Harry Potter star looks nothing like how we remember him in the films.

First marching efficiently onto our screens in 2001 with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Chris Rankin, 40, played a crucial role in the films alongside Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint.

If you don’t recognise him, then just think of the prefect who loved being a prefect at school a little bit too much.

There’s some major head boy energy coming from this wizard’s wand throughout the films, and he even deserts his ginger-haired family in the later films in favour of political clout.

It’s Percy Weasley of course – the third eldest of Ron’s brothers, who delights in a career in the Ministry of Magic after leaving Hogwarts.

He first hit our screens aged 16 as the Gryffindor prefect who escorted nervous newcomers in Harry’s year to their dormitories, and filmed his last scene 11 years later.

In the later films, he appears briefly in the background as in the books he drifted from the Weasley family, poisoned by the pursuit of power in the political ranks of the magical world, which were slowly turning evil.

During the Battle of Hogwarts – as depicted in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 – the book sees Percy acknowledging his estrangement with his family and apologising to them, however this is never addressed in the films.

Now, over 20 years on from his first appearance in Harry Potter, Chris is sending fans Christmas and birthday messages on paid video service, Cameo.

Nowadays, Chris is a performer, a director, a producer and creative, according to his website. He lives in South Wales with his partner Ness, and their dogs Stanley and Boo.

Compared to his magical contemporaries Chris isn’t charging a premium for the video service – on the contrary, a personalised message will only set you back £28.

Bonnie Wright, who plays Ginny Weasley in the film franchise, is charging £158, and as is Jamie Waylett who played Vincent Crabbe in six of eight films.

His recent video introduced himself on Cameo, after a hiatus.

‘Hello you fabulous magical people on Cameo. It’s Chris Rankin here, Percy Weasley from the Harry Potter films, yes Hogwarts head boy and everyone’s seventh favourite Weasley child,’ he began.

‘I’ve been off Cameo for a little while now because I’ve been a busy old bee trotting around Europe on a tour, but I am now back, and I am here for all your possible video requests.

‘Whether it’s a video just for yourself, whether its Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Boxing Day, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, weddings, anything and everything.

‘Please give me a shout if you need a video message, because I am happy to make a fool of myself on camera, just for you.’

His videos to fans are always enthusiastic and generous, and the actor – who is now a blogger too – sometimes even, if you’re lucky, breaks into song.

Chris is posting on the regular at the moment – if you need a last minute Christmas present for a Potterhead, you know what to do.

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JK Rowling has declared celebrities who have spoken out in support of transgender people can ‘save their apologies’ — including Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson.

The Harry Potter author has been at the centre of Britain’s gender row, and recently boldly daring Scottish police to arrest her as the Hate Crime Act came into force.

Days after garnering backlash for a long thread misgendering transwomen, she has given her thoughts on the long-awaited Cass Review.

Rowling praised the findings of the report commissioned by NHS England in 2020 and looked at gender identity services for under-18s.

The overarching findings of the 388-page report conducted by Dr Hilary Cass stated that children had been ‘let down’ thus far by a failure to base gender care on evidence-based research.

While tweeting her approval of Cass’ findings, Rowling responded to someone asking her if she could ever ‘forgive’ the former Harry Potter stars who have spoken in support of trans rights.

‘Just waiting for Dan and Emma to give you a very public apology … safe in the knowledge that you will forgive them …’ wrote X user Adam Harris, who describes himself as a ‘Far Right Hooligan’.

‘Not safe, I’m afraid,’ quipped the 58-year-old author in response amid a thread praising the review and calling the trans rights movement a ‘scandal’.

She continued: ‘Celebs who cosied up to a movement intent on eroding women’s hard-won rights and who used their platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors can save their apologies for traumatised detransitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single sex spaces.’

Harry Potter’s leading man Radcliffe, 34, has worked extensively with the Trevor Project in recent years, supporting trans youths, and in his own words is ‘learning to be a better ally’.

He rarely addresses Rowling’s comments but in 2020, the Miracle Workers star made his feelings incredibly clear as he wrote: ‘Transgender women are women.

‘Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I.’

Meanwhile, shortly after Radcliffe’s statement was shared, Hermione Granger actress Watson also tweeted her support for trans rights.

‘Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they aren’t who they say they are,’ she wrote.

The Beauty and the Beast star continued: ‘I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are.’

Neither actor has publicly said anything against Rowling herself or criticised her directly. In fact, Radcliffe previously acknowledged that the writer is ‘unquestionably responsible’ for the course of his life.

The Weird Al actor added: ‘If you found anything in [Harry Potter] that resonated with you and helped you at any time in your life — then that is between you and the book that you read, and it is sacred.

‘In my opinion nobody can touch that. It means to you what it means to you and I hope that these comments will not taint that too much.’

Many LGBTQ+ fans of the franchise have turned their back on the franchise which shaped much of millennials and Gen Zs’ childhood.

Radcliffe and Watson last starred in Harry Potter in 2011 with final film The Deathly Hallows Part 2 and have distanced from the franchise since.

They both returned for the 20th anniversary documentary along with other stars. However, Rowling was not present.

Metro.co.uk has reached out to Radcliffe and Watson’s reps for comment.

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Harry Potter fans had their world turned upside down recently after Hermione Granger actor Emma Watson revealed the moment she ‘fell in love’ with Draco Malfoy star Tom Felton.

The special sent viewers into meltdown as the pair revealed they forged a strong bond over the years, with Tom saying he felt ‘very protective’ over her.

Now, Emma has spoken about the reaction to the revelations, and her relationship with Tom is clearly something she holds very dear to her. 

Speaking about him during an interview with Vogue, she said: ‘We speak most weeks, and we just think it’s sweet.’

Asked how it was to be reunited with her co-star, Emma said: ‘Like heaven, honestly. I am just so happy they still exist!’ 

‘When Rupert [Grint] says things, he really means them. I was taken aback by how vulnerable and kind he was deciding to be so publicly,’ she went on to say. ‘Similarly for Dan [Radcliffe], it really touched me how reflective he had been over the years about how different it had been for me as a girl.’

Discussing the film’s sets she got to revisit, Emma also said: ‘Most film sets are torn down the minute a scene is finished. I am so happy they are still there for people to enjoy, me included. [Production designer] Stuart Craig is truly a genius. What he did is perfect.’

Emma previously shared the moment her romantic feelings for Tom escalated when they were teenagers on set, recalling a tutoring session they were both a part of.

‘The assignment that had been given was to draw what you thought god looked like, and Tom had drawn a girl with a backward cap on a skateboard. And I just don’t how to say it – I just fell in love with him,’ she said.

‘I used to come in every day and look for his number on the call sheet, it was number seven, and if his name was on the call sheet, it was an extra exciting day. He was three years above me and so for him he was like, you’re like my little sister.’

Recollecting how he was told about Emma’s crush when he was sitting in the hair and make-up chair, Tom said: ‘I became very protective over her. Yeah, I’ve always had a soft spot for her and that continues to the day.

‘There’s always been something that’s like, I don’t know, a kinship.’

Meanwhile, Emma also recently addressed the gaffe that was made in the Harry Potter Reunion concerning a photo that supposedly showed her as a child – but actually featured a different Hollywood actor.

Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts is available to watch on Sky and NOW.

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Emma Watson was looking as chic as ever as she attended a star-studded pre-Bafta party in London on Saturday night.

The actress, 31, partied with the likes of Alexa Chung and Doctor Who star Jenna Coleman at the lavish party on March 12, hosted by Charles Finch x Chanel.

Worlds collided as the Harry Potter star attended the event alongside Fantastic Beasts icon Eddie Redmayne, with the hundreds-strong crowd partying until the early hours of Sunday morning.

Hosted at luxury club The LouLou in Mayfair, the famous Night Before Bafta Dinner saw the actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador combine smart and glamorous in a fiery affair.

Emma wore a daring lacy black cut-out top which showed off her toned body, with a high-rise black skirt reaching to her thighs.

She coupled this with unique zebra-print all-in-one stockings and high-heeled shoes, and finished the look with a gorgeous black blazer.

Finishing the look, Emma opted for silver earrings, rings and a bracelet, and tied her hair up in a playful, messy up-do.

She highlighted her natural beauty with toned-down makeup, opting for blush, pale lipstick and striking eyelashes and brows.

The former child star looked in good spirits as she headed home from the night at around 2am, smiling for the cameras as she was walked out of the building by staff.

Now a respected advocate for women’s rights as the head of UN Women’s gender equality campaign HeForShe, as well as still enjoying a successful acting career, Emma recently visited her roots as she took part in the lauded Harry Potter reunion.

Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts gave fans a trip down memory lane as Emma, along with co-stars Rupert Grint, Daniel Radcliffe, Tom Felton and the huge cast of supporting actors discussed the impact of the movies and recalled their childhoods growing up on the famous set.

Potterheads were driven wild when, during the show, Emma recalled the moment she ‘fell in love’ with Draco Malfoy actor Tom.

She later responded to the huge reaction over the sweet revelation, and told Vogue that she and Tom ‘speak most weeks, and I just think it’s sweet’.

Hopefully those present at the star-studded event didn’t party too hard, and will be ready for the main event which begins on Sunday evening.

This year’s Bafta Film Awards are set to take place on March 13, honouring the best in British and international contributions to film, and will be hosted by Rebel Wilson. 

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Harry Potter actress Emma Watson appeared to throw a subtle dig at JK Rowling at the Bafta Film Awards. 

The 31-year-old, who is best known for playing Hermione Granger in the blockbuster franchise, attended the star-studded ceremony on Sunday to present the award for best outstanding British film. 

Baftas host Rebel Wilson did the honours of introducing Watson to the stage, and said: ‘Here to present the next award is Emma Watson. She calls herself a feminist, but we all know she’s a witch.’ 

Watson then appeared on-stage with a cheeky smile and said: ‘I’m here for all of the witches by the way.’ 

Viewers took it as a jab towards Harry Potter author Rowling, who has come under fire in recent years for her controversial comments about the transgender community and the definition of a woman. 

Reacting to Watson’s comment, one viewer tweeted: ‘Live for Emma Watson throwing subtle shade at JK Rowling at the #BAFTAs #LGBWithTheT #JKDoesntSpeakForMe.’ 

‘Was that a jibe by emma watson at jk rowling? what a QUEEEEENNN,’ another cheered. 

One weighed in: ‘Emma Watson throwing some classy shade there.’ 

Another said: ‘Emma Watson’s “I’m here for *all* of the witches, by the way” was a giant dig at JK and I love her for it.’ 

‘Emma Watson opening with “I’m here for all the witches…” She’s here for #TransRights. #TransWomenAreWomen,’ one other tweeted. 

Wilson also took a swipe at Rowling earlier in the awards show when a photo of her at the 2020 Baftas appeared on-screen. 

She told the audience in reference to her weight loss: ‘That was me two years ago and since then I’ve done quite a transformation – I hope JK Rowling still approves.’ 

The controversy surrounding Rowling began in 2020, when she criticised an article that used the term ‘people who menstruate’ instead of women. 

She later explained her earlier comments, saying: ‘At the same time, my life has been shaped by being female. I do not believe it’s hateful to say so.’ 

The author added that she respects ‘every trans person’s rights to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them’.

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I don’t know what’s worse: a young actress revealing the extent of sexualisation she’s become an increasingly larger victim of, or that I’m no longer surprised by such revelations.

Am I a monster, or am I exhausted?

The public, and the media – no two ways about it – has been pretty creepy towards young female stars for eons now and while I don’t have the answers as to how we make it stop (even as someone who’s a member of aforementioned media), I can at least use this platform to try to call out how insidious this kind of attitude towards young women is and how it threatens all of us – not just the famous.

And yes, before you ‘what about’ me on the subject, people are also dodgy towards young men in the public eye. We only need to see previous treatment of Millie Bobby Brown’s Stranger Things co-star Finn Woldhard to know that is definitely a thing. 

But there is a systemic issue in the treatment of young women – with women in minority communities, as well as those in the LGBT community subjected to this on top of bigoted discrimination and prejudice – and that is why I’ve gathered you here today.

After being sexualised as a young teen rising to fame in the evidently seedy world of showbusiness, and previously opening up about it when she turned 16, Millie this week spoke about how much worse the interest got when she recently turned 18.

‘[It’s] really overwhelming. I have definitely been dealing with that more in the last couple weeks of turning 18,’ she said on the Guilty Feminist podcast.

‘[I’m] definitely seeing a difference between the way people act and the way the press and social media react to me coming of age. It’s gross.’

Long before she turned 18, the star – who was cast as Eleven in Stranger Things in 2016 at the age of 12 – was being sexualised online, with comments lobbed her way, such as those from armchair critics who suggested she was dressing ‘too grown up’.

Then, the forums began to pop up. 

One such included an 18+ Reddit chat that counted down to the star’s birthday, was teased as ‘NSFW’ and was to ‘unlock’ only when she reached the milestone age. I s**t you not.

Disgustingly, a description of the page, shared in another forum, read: ‘[It’s] to post sexual pictures of her the day she turns 18. It’s a sub solely dedicated to sexual pictures of Millie, who is currently a minor, until next week but they have a sub prepared already with thousands of subscribers.’

Yes, there were people actually waiting until it was ‘legal’ for them to post sexual pictures of her. This is apparently a thing that happens to female stars when they turn 18, with similar websites popping up ahead of the Olsen twins’ birthday back in the day.

Millie’s not the first to speak about this level of crude sexualisation, with former child star Mara Wilson revealing before she was out of middle school, she was ‘featured on foot fetish websites, photoshopped into child porn, and received all kinds of letters and messages online from grown men’.

Emma Watson was also a victim of this, after upskirting shots of her were published in mainstream media the day she turned 18, which would have been illegal only 24 hours prior.

It’s a sad reflection on society when these sorts of revelations, which *should* raise all sorts of alarm bells that lead to meaningful change, just don’t shock me anymore. 

Is it because, as a young female myself, I’ve been exposed to this sort of thing, be it directly to me, or in my general sphere, for nearly two decades now? As a woman, am I both horrified but also, wildly desensitised? Has society got me so down I’ve simply given up?

God, I hope not.

We’ve probably all subconsciously shared sentiments about stars like Millie such as ‘wow, she’s so grown up now’, which, at the time, might not intend to come from a predatory place, but when you think about the fact we’re still commenting on a teenage girl’s body, or what she’s wearing, it’s pretty bloody creepy, isn’t it? So while you may think I’m bleating on about something that you don’t see as a problem, it really is.

Even under a story of the star’s remarks about being sexualised, I saw a comment remarking how Millie’s ‘kid-teen’ looks were ‘long gone’. We just can’t help ourselves, can we?

Again for the cheap seats at the back, whether it’s positive, or from a place of support, just because these women are famous does not make their bodies public domain. If they’re not yet 18, it *really* bloody doesn’t make their bodies public domain. Keep comments to self, people.

Heard of the Lolita Effect? It’s a term coined in a 2008 book by Meenakshi Gigi Durham, derived from Vladimir Nabokov’s novel Lolita, which is all about a middle-aged professor becoming obsessed with a 12-year-old girl, and refers to the media sexualisation of girls, as well as the blame that can be put on them for their part in abuse or harassment that girls face.

Lolita was published in 1955, remember. So we’ve clearly not learned any lessons here, and the internet, a haven of gross, is just giving this Lolita energy a place to expand.

Plus, to rub salt into the wounds, even when their bodies are not treated as theirs – when they’re objectified, when older men in boardrooms make decisions about the ‘image’ they’re going to publicly portray, when they’re hacked and nude photos of them are leaked online, it’s still seen as their fault. How many female stars have been forced to apologise for the sexualisation of their own bodies that they did not consent to. Isn’t that wild? 

Perhaps it’s because we’ve seen what happens when these young stars don’t bend to the whim of the powers that be – they’re cast aside. The ol’ adage of sex sells has never rung more true, it matters not to the executives whether the starlet is of age, and that mentality is clearly passed own to the consumers and baying fans.

But if we continue to allow this sort of behaviour and conversation fester in the comments of Instagram posts and remain unchecked in Reddit forums, we’re only allowing that weed to grow when discussing non-famous women. 

By shrugging off Millie’s comments as ‘what you get for being famous’ it’s merely justifying that rhetoric to be weaponised against ourselves. And huns, we’re not about that life.

Well look at that, I’m not feeling so exhausted any more: let’s rage.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk. 

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