Jason Momoa Breaks His Silence on His Resurfaced “Game of Thrones” Rape Joke
Amid the nonstop Harvey Weinstein news of the past week, anger over our society’s treatment of women and victims of sexual harassment or assault has reached a boiling point. Yesterday, a video surfaced of Jason Momoa making a joke about rape on a 2011 Game of Thrones Comic-Con panel, and while his words are deplorable at any time, given the current cultural temperature, people were quick to call him out.
“As far as sci-fi and fantasy, I love that genre because there are so many things you can do,” Momoa says in the resurfaced clip. “Like rip someone’s tongue out of their throat and get away with it and rape beautiful women.” The crowd can be heard laughing loudly, as Momoa asks for the “next question” and his fellow panelists cover their faces.
On Thursday, amid ongoing outrage, Momoa apologized for his comment in a statement on Instagram.
“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,” Momoa 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. Rape and sexual harassment can reach anyone and I have seen first hand its painful torment among members of my own family and friends.”
“I made a truly tasteless comment,” Momoa continued. “It is unacceptable and I sincerely apologize with a heavy heart for the words I said.”
Momoa is set to star as Aquaman in the upcoming Justice League movie. He stars alongside Ben Affleck, who has been named in harassment and complicity allegations of his own amid the Weinstein scandal.
What do you think of Jason Momoa’s remarks and apology? Let us know @BritandCo.
(Photo via Chris Jackson/Getty)