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A TV exec has apologized after calling Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke a “chubby little girl”.
Australian news agency Crikey reported that Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany made the snide remarks while addressing the audience at the premiere screening of the HBO show’s spin-off series House of the Dragon in Sydney, Australia on Tuesday .
During his speech, the Australian television executive recalled starting too late to watch the hit series Clarke played Daenerys Targaryen in and shared his reaction to a key scene in the premiere episode of Game of Thrones.
A TV exec has apologized after calling Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke a “chubby little girl”. (David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
“‘I was like, ‘What is this show with the little chubby girl who walks on fire?'” he said,” Crikey said.
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The outlet reported that Delany’s comment was poorly received by audiences.
“It felt like he expected us to join in the laughs, but people in the room were obviously shocked,” one attendee told Crikey.
Another participant said: “There was a bit of air for air.”
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Foxtel aired “Games of Thrones” throughout its eight seasons in Australia and will premiere the first episode of the series’ highly anticipated prequel series on its global release date of August 21st.
During his speech, the Australian television executive recalled starting too late to watch the hit series Clarke played Daenerys Targaryen in and shared his reaction to a key scene in the premiere episode of Game of Thrones. (AP, file)
Following backlash over his insult, a Foxtel Group spokesman apologized and clarified Delany’s comments.
“Foxtel Group apologizes if his comments were misunderstood and caused offense,” said the company’s statement, obtained by The Wrap.
The company continued, “The goal was to convey that Game of Thrones was something very different for television in 2011 and that Emilia Clarke went from relatively unknown to one of the most recognized and loved actresses in television and film. “
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Clarke representatives did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
House of the Dragon takes place approximately 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones (HBO)
According to a Foxtel press release, the “Game of Thrones” series finale broke records for the company, bringing in the largest overnight viewership in pay-TV history.
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Ratings expectations are high for House of the Dragon, based on the 2018 novel Fire & Blood by Game of Thrones author George RR Martin. The show takes place about 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones. and will trace the history of Daenerys’ Targaryen ancestors.
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House of the Dragon stars include Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Milly Alcock, Rhys Ifans, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Paddy Considine, Fabien Frankel and Sonoya Mizuno.
Ashley Hume is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital.