'Game of Thrones' actor Jason Momoa apologizes for 'distasteful' rape joke
The actor said his fans are "justified" in their reactions.
— -- Jason Momoa is apologizing after an old video surfaced of him making an inappropriate joke about his role on "Game of Thrones."
The actor, who portrayed Khal Drogo on HBO's medieval-fantasy drama, was on a panel during the 2011 Comic-Con discussing his participation on the series.
"But as far as sci-fi and fantasy, I love that there's so many things you can do, like rip someone's tongue out of their throat and get away with it and rape beautiful women," he said.
The audience immediately expressed shock.
"Next question," Momoa, 38, deadpanned.
Momoa's character, who died in the show's second season, had nonconsensual sex on his wedding night with his onscreen wife, Daenerys Targaryen, portrayed by Emilia Clarke. In later episodes, the two characters fall in love.
Momoa responded on Instagram on Thursday to backlash over the video, saying he understands why fans are outraged.
"I awoke in Australia to the justified reactions by many people to a distasteful joke I made years ago in Hall H for which I am sorry," he wrote. "I am still severely disappointed in myself at the insensitivity of my remarks that day. I know my sincerest apology now won't take away those hurtful words."
The "Aquaman" actor then added that he knows from the experience of friends and family the torment caused by rape and sexual harassment.
"Rape and sexual harassment can reach anyone and I have seen first hand its painful torment among members of my own family and friends," he revealed. "I made a truly tasteless comment. It is unacceptable and I sincerely apologize with a heavy heart for the words I said. All apologies, Jason."