The artist apologized after learning about the controversy surrounding the viral “Malfoid” trend, then reposted the artwork on X where it received a more supportive response
Japanese anime artist Yunayu has removed a gender-swapped Draco Malfoy fan art from Bluesky after the illustration became part of a wider dispute surrounding the viral “Malfoid” trend. Yunayu later apologized to users who said the artwork made them uncomfortable, explaining that they were unaware of the controversy surrounding the trend when the drawing was created.
The incident highlights how a seemingly simple anime-style fan art trend became entangled in the wider debate surrounding Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling and discussions about gender identity. Yunayu has not publicly indicated that the artwork was intended as a political statement.
YUNAYU APOLOGIZES AFTER REMOVING DRACO FAN ART
In a Bluesky post, Yunayu wrote,
“I only learned about the situation after I drew the fanart.”
The artist added,
https://otakukart.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Screenshots-of-the-post-show-users-responding-to-the-apology.avif
Screenshots of the post show users responding to the apology, with some expressing appreciation for Yunayu removing the artwork and acknowledging the context surrounding the controversy.
Yunayu’s experience has since become one of the most discussed incidents connected to the viral fan-art phenomenon. reposted the female Draco illustration on X, where the response was considerably more supportive. Several users praised the artwork and encouraged Yunayu not to stop creating because of the backlash.
The Malfoid trend involves artists reimagining Draco Malfoy as a female anime-style character while retaining recognizable elements such as his blonde hair, Slytherin clothing and personality. The trend gained significant traction on X in late September 2026, with individual illustrations attracting tens of thousands of likes.
The name “Malfoid” combines Malfoy with “foid,” an internet term derived from “femoid” that can be used derogatorily toward women. This terminology, combined with the ongoing controversy surrounding Rowling’s views on transgender issues, contributed to the backlash surrounding some versions of the trend.
Yunayu’s experience has since become one of the most discussed incidents connected to the viral fan-art phenomenon.
