Foxtel chief executive Patrick Delany has sparked criticism for calling Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke a “short and chubby fish” during a statement at the launch of House of Dragons. According to Crikey, Delany made the controversial remarks ahead of the premiere of the much-anticipated prequel’s first episode on August 16. He explained how he was late watching Game of Thrones, which was previously the most watched series on the planet.
“I was thinking, ‘What is this show about with a short, chubby girl going on fire?’
In Game of Thrones, Emilia Clarke played Daenerys Targaryen. In her comments, Delany mentioned the iconic sequence from the first season that was a turning point for her character. Merriam-Webster defines dumpy as “being short and stoutly built.” According to the source, two guests at the event reported that the apparent joke was met with cold words from the executive.
According to one participant:
“He seemed to expect us to laugh along with him, but everyone in the room was clearly taken aback.”
Another person said:
“There was a small sigh.”
Everything you need to know about Patrick Delany and his post-remarks apologies
As of 2018, Patrick Delany serves as CEO of Foxtel, an Australian pay television provider. Delany began his legal career at Australian law firm Gilbert & Tobin before joining Southern Star Entertainment in 1998 and relaunching many networks including Channel [V] and The Weather Channel. In 2002, he was hired as Foxtel’s digital director, and two years later, in 2005, he was promoted to executive director of content, product and delivery in the same division. During his tenure he pioneered a variety of innovations including Mobile Foxtel, Foxtel on Xbox, Foxtel IQ and Foxtel’s partnership with Virgin America.
Patrick Delany, who took over as CEO from Peter Tonagh, also oversaw the launch of Kayo, Binge and Flash. Patrick apologized on behalf of Foxtel after making controversial remarks about Emilia Clarke at the House of Dragons launch in Sydney on August 16. According to the spokesman, the remark was “intentionally self-deprecating”.
The official statement further states:
“The goal was to express that for him Game of Thrones was something extremely new for television in 2011, and that Emilia Clarke went from being very unknown to one of the most recognized and beloved performers on television and in film. ” Foxtel Group apologizes on behalf of Mr Delany if his statements were misconstrued and caused offence.”
#PatrickDelany #FoxtelCEO Fuck you for what you said #Emiliaclarke
A short, chubby girl? are you kidding me? She has far more talent than you will ever have in one finger in your life! Push away! Lots of love for you Emilia! You are amazing and a sweetheart #I HAVE A ❤️ pic.twitter.com/IRBjygtjyZ
— Faith Hammett (@BBnovelist21) August 17, 2022
Emilia Clarke was not involved in the current development of the new series as it is set almost two centuries before the Game of Thrones timeline. House of Dragon focuses on the Targaryens, the forerunners of the dragon queen Daenerys. The actress has not yet responded to Patrick Delany’s comments during the event.
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Source: HIS Education