Daniel Radcliffe Criticized for Smoking on Stage  2/26/07

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe has drawn criticism from anti-smoking groups after he lit up on the London stage.

The 17-year-old has been photographed smoking a cigarette during his performance as Alan Strang in a London revival of Peter Shaffer's controversial 1973 play Equus.

But anti-smoking organization Ash claims Radcliffe is abusing his position as a role model to millions of Harry Potter fans by lighting up in public.

Ash spokeswoman Amanda Sandman says, "It is regrettable that he is smoking, whatever the circumstances.

"He is a role model for young people and if he decided to take up smoking in real life that would be of great concern. Even though it is an act, nicotine is highly addictive and he could find himself hooked."

However, Equus producer David Pugh has defended Radcliffe, saying, "Daniel smokes in the play. He doesn't smoke in life. It's in the script and always has been. It is not gratuitous.

"In fact, it's a very beautiful scene where Alan Strang is with his psychiatrist. The psychiatrist offers him a cigarette and it's really the first time the man and boy bond as they talk and smoke."