HBO Pulls Child Stars From Oxford Street Lights Switch-On

Overview

• HBO confirmed late Monday that Dominic McLaughlin, Alastair Stout and Arabella Stanton will not appear at the Oxford Street Christmas lights switch-on.
• The network said the decision was driven by the young actors’ production schedules and education commitments while season two is already under way.
• Several outlets reported that HBO and partners held talks with the Metropolitan Police about possible public-order risks and that officers are expected to monitor the event.
• The Harry Potter Shop Oxford Street remains scheduled to open on November 4 and the lights switch-on will go ahead on November 9, while a Good Law Project petition urging cancellation has passed 10,000 signatures.
• The move follows a string of protests targeting Potter events over J.K. Rowling’s comments on gender identity and highlights how security concerns and reputational pressure can limit public appearances by child cast members.