LOS ANGELES: British author J K Rowling has defended the casting of black Hermione Granger in upcoming play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child following backlash. Some of Harry Potter fans apparently have problem with Hermione’s “changing race” as Swaziland-born actress Noma Dumezweni is tapped to portray the character previously played by Emma Watson, reported Ace Showbiz. The race of Hermione was never described in the Harry Potter books despite covers of the novels have shown the character as white. Rowling often described Hermione had “bushy” hair. The author replied to a fans question about black Hermione on December 21. “@goldregulus like. especially rowling. how does she feel about black hermione. I need to know,” a Twitter user wrote. Rowling then responded, “Canon: brown eyes, frizzy hair and very clever. White skin was never specified. Rowling loves black Hermione.” Harry Potter actress Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood, also showed her support for the casting announcement, writing on Twitter, “Omg, a brand new trio! How strange and exciting! #TheCursedChild. Tbh new Hermione is black, Harry looks like Ron, when I was cast ppl complained about my HAIR & it is peoples [heart] NOT their looks that matter.”