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News18
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
This Top Actress Banned From Driving For 6 Months After Speeding Violation
Last Updated: The actress has been banned from driving for six months after a 2024 speeding offense in Oxford. She did not attend the court hearing. Emma Watson has been banned from driving for six months following a speeding violation that took place in 2024. The Harry Potter star was caught on camera driving at 38 mph in a 30 mph zone in Oxford, England. The court ruling came nearly a year after the incident, with a magistrate officially suspending her licence on Wednesday. Watson already had nine penalty points on her driving record prior to the latest offense, leading to the automatic six-month driving ban. The 35-year-old actress-turned-student was also ordered to pay a total of £1,044 in fines and costs by the High Wycombe Magistrates' Court. Although Watson did not appear in person for the brief five-minute hearing, her lawyer Mark Haslam was present and confirmed that the actress had the means to pay the fine. 'She is in a position to pay the fine," he told the court. Haslam also shared that Watson is currently pursuing a master's degree in creative writing at the University of Oxford, a program she began in 2023. Emma Watson rose to fame in 2001 as Hermione Granger in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and went on to star in all eight films of the beloved franchise. After Harry Potter, she appeared in several major Hollywood productions including The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Bling Ring, and Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast. Her most recent acting credit was in Greta Gerwig's 2019 adaptation of Little Women. Outside of acting, Watson has become an advocate for sustainability and gender equality. In 2023, she co-launched a sustainable gin brand with her brother. Despite stepping back from acting, she continues to remain in the public eye through her activism, academic pursuits, and entrepreneurial efforts. Meanwhile, a new television adaptation of Harry Potter is currently in production at HBO, with a fresh cast led by Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione, and Alastair Stout as Ron. The series is expected to unfold over a decade, reimagining J.K. Rowling's world for a new generation. view comments First Published: July 16, 2025, 23:42 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Express Tribune
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Emma Watson's speeding ticket turns into six-month driving ban, magic didn't work this time
If Emma Watson can redefine herself as 'self-partnered' to stave off the pressure to settle down, so can you. Photo: File Emma Watson, renowned for her portrayal of Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series, has been banned from driving for six months after being caught speeding. The incident occurred on July 31, 2024, when Watson was recorded driving at 38mph in a 30mph zone in Oxford. The actress, who had nine penalty points on her driving record prior to this offense, appeared in court, where it was confirmed. At a brief hearing on Wednesday at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court, Watson was ordered to pay £1,044 in fines and costs. The 35-year-old did not attend the five-minute session, with her representatives yet to comment on the case. Watson, who graduated from Brown University with a degree in English literature in 2014, has also been pursuing a master's degree in creative writing at Columbia University. Watson, who gained fame at the age of 11 with the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 2001, went on to star in all eight films of the franchise. Post-Harry Potter, she appeared in movies like Beauty and the Beast, The Bling Ring, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower, with her last film role being in Greta Gerwig's Little Women (2019). She also launched a sustainable gin brand in 2023 with her brother. In a separate case, Zoe Wanamaker, who played Madam Hooch in the Harry Potter films, was also fined and banned for six months for a speeding violation on the same day at the same court. Wanamaker, 76, was caught driving 46mph in a 40mph zone on the M4 in Newbury, Berkshire. She was also fined £1,044, with both women now facing additional penalty points on their driving records. Both Watson and Wanamaker were disqualified for six months due to the accumulation of 12 points on their licenses.


Mercury
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mercury
Vinnies caught trying to fleece muggles with dodgy book prices
An Aussie charity shop has been caught trying to pull a swifty worthy of Voldemort himself, slapping ludicrous price tags on common-as-cockroaches Harry Potter books. Two Harry Potter books spotted in a glass display cabinet at a Vinnies store in Lane Cove, Sydney, caught the eye of TikToker Mat, who runs a website teaching Aussies how to flip undervalued products found in op shops earlier this month. The books – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince – were listed for $500 and $1,000, respectively. Both items were labelled as 'rare' first editions, but Mat – who shared his finding on @flipweekly – argues they're actually 'far from it'. '$500 for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and $1000 for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince – are you serious?', he told followers. 'The price tag claims it's because they are first editions but here's the thing. By the time these later books came out, print runs were massive. MORE NEWS Inside Australia's haunting mall mystery Why Aldi, Costco keep snubbing this Aussie state Surprise way to make $100k from a vending machine 'Deathly Hallows alone sold over 15 million copies in the first 24 hours (of being released) and still holds the record for the largest initial print run in publishing history. 'So if you find Deathly Hallows in an op shop, odds are it's a first edition (but) that doesn't make it rare. It makes it common.' Vinnies have since admitted they'd made a mistake and banished the overpriced Potter books from the shelves – but not before copping plenty of outrage online. 'Surely there's just a decimal point missing??,' one of Mat's followers mused. Another commented: 'I'm wondering if these op shops are all part of a money laundering network.' A third wrote: 'Keep in mind this stuff is DONATED.' The backlash comes as charity shops increasingly cop flak for jacking up prices. Shoppers have reported seeing Anko, a brand exclusive to Kmart and Target, selling in charity shops for a higher price than it was originally sold for. Vinnies, however, insists they're just trying to raise dosh for those in need. A spokesperson told Yahoo News that pricing is based on 'affordability for customers as well as the quality of the goods on sale,' using a 'simple pricing guide based on research on value in the general second-hand marketplace and the quality of the garment.' Last year, they splashed out a whopping $96.4 million on vital services for the homeless, those battling mental health issues, and people with disabilities.


Buzz Feed
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
You Probably Had No Idea Rita Ora Was An Extra In 'Harry Potter' – Here's What She Had To Say About The Experience
Rita Ora is a woman of many talents, but you probably didn't know that appearing in one of Britain's biggest film franchises was on her long list of achievements. Sitting down on CelebriTea, Rita Ora revealed that, while she wasn't credited for her appearance in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban back in 2003, she has some great memories of her time on the set. So, how did she even end up there? "I had a choice. Be an extra in Harry Potter, or go to school... What would you do? What would you do? Obviously I'm going to do this," she revealed. But if you've watched the film and never spotted her, you're not alone, and that's the point, "I'm not even in the movie, really. My ponytail is," Rita joked. In case you were wondering, she's in the Divination class scene where Professor Trewlawny (Emma Thompson) tells Harry he's got the Grim. Though her role was small, Rita has nothing but warm memories from the set: 'We were treated really well, it was a bunch of kids. So we were all on buses. It was a really great experience as a kid.' The Harry Potter films utilised hundreds of child extras for the Hogwarts scenes; they were shuttled on set with chaperones, and while Rita chose to participate to skip school, she did have to do a couple of hours of school work between scenes. So next time you're watching Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban, keep an eye out. That ponytail walking through Hogwarts? It might just belong to global pop sensation Rita Ora. Check out Rita's full CelebriTea interview below:


Time of India
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Spoken like a true Slytherin': Harry Potter star Tom Felton faces major backlash from Potterheads for his ‘admiration' of J.K. Rowling
Turns out, Draco Malfoy has made a comeback! No, it's not just about Tom Felton coming back to the Wizarding World and reprising his role as Draco Malfoy for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. The actor who rose to fame as a child artist from the sets of Harry Potter, playing the role of Draco Malfoy, has recently faced significant backlash from the Potterhead community following his public admiration for author J.K. Rowling. What happened? After Felton's comeback as Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway was declared, the 37-year-old English actor made an appearance at this year's Tony Awards. During the interview at the Tony Awards, Felton addressed questions about Rowling's controversial views, stating, "I'm not really that attuned to it." When asked if various remarks by Rowling, which has time and again has made the author's stance clear on transgender women and the issues related to them and hence fueled transphobia, played any role in his decision to step back into Malfoy's shoes, Felton responded, 'If anything, I remind myself I've been lucky to travel the world, and I've not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter, and she's responsible for that. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo ' He emphasized the unifying power of the Harry Potter series, noting its ability to bring together people from diverse backgrounds. Felton expressed gratitude for Rowling's creation, saying, 'I'm incredibly grateful.' The comeback of Draco Malfoy: After Felton conveyed how he felt about his comeback to the Wizarding World and his relentless gratitude towards Rowling, Potterheads did not delay in expressing how disappointed they were in him. Fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, where the snippet of his interview was posted to express their displeasure at his answer. One fan said, "What a privileged straight white man take." While most of the Potterheads tagged him as an 'actual Slytherin', who are often associated with ambition beyond the consideration of right and wrong, a second fan said, "Tom felton….. you've lost any respect you've ever had from me." Another said, "Translation: I do not have anyone close to me who is trans. And since it doesn't affect me personally, it doesn't matter. Nothing has brought the world more together than Potter? She has made the world less safe for an entire group of people. Shame on Tom Felton." A fourth fan said, "Must be nice for Tom Felton to not have to be 'attuned' to Rowling's awfulness. Doesn't personally affect him, so why should he care?" However, that's not all. Several internet users, on the other hand, called Felton 'most level headed' for not going on to 'bite the hand that feeds him.' While one user wrote, 'Turns out the villain was the good guy after all. What a gracious, respectful reply,' another echoed the same sentiment, by saying, 'It's amazing how the guy who played one of the meanest characters in the franchise is literally one of the nicest people in real life.' Felton's comeback: Felton's casting in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was announced earlier this month. The Tony-award winning play returns to Hogwarts 19 years after the events of the last book in the series — Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — and follows the new alliances and antagonisms between the children of the Potter generation. Felton is set to take over for Aaron Bartz in a 19-week limited engagement at the Lyric Theatre in New York City from Nov. 11 to March 22. Sharing his happiness for being able to come back to the Potterverse, Felton said, "It's such a huge part of my childhood. It's like me going back to high school!" Despite the criticism for his comments during the interview at the Tony Awards, Felton has maintained a diplomatic stance. He has stated that he is "pro-discussion, pro-love," and prefers to focus on positive aspects rather than engaging in divisive debates. Felton has also mentioned that the Harry Potter cast's group chats focus solely on "wizarding puns and banter," avoiding discussions about Rowling's views. The legacy of J.K. Rowling: J.K. Rowling's contributions to literature, particularly the Harry Potter series, have had a profound impact on readers worldwide. The series has inspired generations, promoting themes of friendship, bravery, and the fight against injustice. However, Rowling's statements on transgender issues have overshadowed her literary achievements for many fans and cast members. The author has a very public history of opposing transgender identities and rights and has often characterized many trans activists as bullies, and accused the movement of reducing women's rights and jeopardizing gay rights. Rowling, time and again, has also questioned the very nature of transgenderism. Last year in December, she took to X, stating, 'There are no trans kids. No child is 'born in the wrong body'' and accused adults of subjecting children to gender-affirming treatments she equated to 'lobotomies.' In fact, after the UK Supreme Court declared that the legal definition of "woman" under the Equality Act 2010 refers strictly to biological sex, which excludes transgender women, even though they have gender recognition certificates (GRCs) this April, the Harry Potter author shared a photo of her with champagne glasses and a cigar in hand, indicating the celebration of the controversial verdict, writing, 'I love it when a plan comes together. #SupremeCourt #WomensRights.' However, Rowling's stance has not been endorsed by all who have risen to prominence through the Harry Potter franchise. Actors from the wildly popular franchise, such as the ones who portrayed the main three (Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley), spoke out against Rowling and condemned her. Daniel Radcliffe wrote in part in his statement that "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. " However, Felton's public support for J.K. Rowling has placed him at the center of a complex debate within the Harry Potter fandom. While he remains grateful for the opportunities the series has provided him, his continued admiration for Rowling has led to criticism from fans who feel that her views are incompatible with the values promoted by the series. JK Rowling CHEERS 'Biological Sex' Win; 'Bridgerton' Star Responds With RAGE, £90K Support | WATCH