Emilia Clarke Receives Apology from Australian TV Executive After ‘Short, Dumpy Girl’ Remark

Emilia Clarke, famed for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, was at the center of an unexpected controversy during the 2022 Sydney premiere of House of the Dragon, the much-anticipated prequel series. The event, hosted by Foxtel—the Australian broadcaster behind Game of Thrones—turned awkward when Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany made a remark that many perceived as body-shaming.

The Incident: A Misjudged Joke

During his opening speech, Delany attempted to humorously describe his initial reaction to Game of Thrones. According to reports from Vanity Fair, People, and Entertainment Weekly, he said, “I was like, ‘What’s this show with the short, dumpy girl walking into the fire?’” This comment referenced Clarke’s iconic scene as Daenerys, walking unscathed through flames to claim her dragons.

While intended as a self-deprecating joke about Delany’s late embrace of the show, the delivery fell flat. Attendees reportedly gasped, with many feeling the remark was inappropriate given the celebratory context. One eyewitness told Crikey, “It felt like he was expecting us to laugh along, but people in the room were obviously shocked by it.” The use of terms like “short” and “dumpy” was widely criticized as body-shaming and raised broader concerns about sexism in media, as noted in Stylist.

Foxtel’s Response and Apology

In the wake of the backlash, Foxtel swiftly issued a formal apology. According to The Wrap and other outlets, the statement explained that Delany’s comment was meant to highlight how Game of Thrones was an unexpected hit in 2011 and how Emilia Clarke rose from relative obscurity to international stardom. The apology read, “On behalf of Mr. Delany, the Foxtel Group apologizes if his remarks were misunderstood and caused any offense,” emphasizing regret over any hurt caused despite the original intent being self-deprecating.

The apology was echoed by Variety and Fox News, reflecting a unified effort by Foxtel to mitigate the situation. Issued promptly after the premiere, the statement aimed to clarify intentions and maintain goodwill toward Clarke and the show.

Public and Media Reaction

The incident sparked significant media coverage and public discussion, highlighting ongoing sensitivity around comments about actors’ appearances. Outlets such as IMDb and The Guardian reported extensively on the controversy. Social media platforms, including X, saw debates unfold regarding the boundaries of humor and the pervasive issue of body-shaming in entertainment.

Critics argued that regardless of intent, industry leaders must exercise greater care in their public remarks, especially at events honoring actors’ achievements. Some commentators viewed the apology as appropriate, while others felt the initial comment reflected deeper issues within media culture.

Analysis: The Fine Line Between Humor and Offense

This episode underscores the delicate nature of public communications in high-profile settings. Delany’s attempt at humor was overshadowed by the perception of disrespect toward Clarke, illustrating how remarks about physical appearance can easily cross from playful into harmful.

Foxtel’s apology sought to reposition the comment as a tribute to Clarke’s career journey, yet the shock among attendees highlighted a gap between intention and impact. The controversy serves as a reminder for corporations and public figures alike to prioritize sensitivity and inclusivity when speaking about others, particularly in celebratory or professional contexts.

Looking Forward

As House of the Dragon continues to build momentum, Foxtel’s handling of this incident may influence future event protocols and communication strategies within the industry. Emilia Clarke, meanwhile, remains a celebrated figure, her talent and legacy undiminished by this brief but telling controversy.