Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany sparked criticism by calling Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke a “dwarf and chubby fish” in a statement at the House of Dragons premiere. According to Crikey, Delany made the controversial comment ahead of the premiere of the highly-anticipated prequel’s first episode on August 16. He explained how he’s been late watching Game of Thrones, formerly the most-watched series on the planet.
“I thought, ‘What is this show with a chubby, short girl on fire?’
In Game of Thrones, Emilia Clarke plays Daenerys Targaryen. In her comments, Delany referred to the iconic scene from the first season as the turning point for her character. Merriam-Webster defines dumpy as “short and solidly built.” According to the source, two guests at the event reported that the joke was clearly met with cold words from the executive.
According to one participant:
“He seemed to expect us to laugh with him, but everyone in the room was clearly surprised.”
Another said:
“There was a small sigh.”
Everything you need to know about Patrick Delany and his post-review apologies
Since 2018, Patrick Delany has been the CEO of Foxtel, an Australian pay TV provider. Delany began her legal career at Australian law firm Gilbert & Tobin before joining Southern Star Entertainment in 1998 and relaunching multiple networks including Channel [V] and The Weather Channel. In 2002, he was hired as chief digital officer of Foxtel, and two years later, in 2005, he was promoted to executive director of content, product, and distribution in the same division. During his tenure, he pioneered many 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 a controversial comment about Emilia Clarke at the House of Dragons premiere in Sydney on August 16. According to a spokesman, the comment was “meaning self-deprecating”.
The official statement further states:
“The purpose was to show that for him ‘Game of Thrones’ was something completely new to television in 2011 and that Emilia Clarke has gone from unknown to one of the most recognized and loved artists in television and cinema. Foxtel Corporation on behalf of Mr. Delany apologizes if his statements were misinterpreted and caused offense.”
#PatrickDelany #Foxtel CEO Fuck you for what you say #Emiliaclarke
A short, chubby girl? Are you kidding me? She has more talent than you will ever have in a finger in your life! Push away! Lots of love to you Emilia! You are amazing and a lover #I HAVE ONE ❤️ pic.twitter.com/IRBjygtjyZ
– Hammett Faith (@BBnovelist21) August 17, 2022
Emilia Clarke is not involved in the current development of the new series as it is set nearly two centuries before the Game of Thrones timeline. House of Dragon focuses on the Targaryens, the ancestor of the dragon queen Daenerys. The actress has not yet responded to Patrick Delany’s comments during the event.
Categories: Entertaintment
Source: newstars.edu.vn