Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany has issued an apology to Emilia Clarke through a representative, after receiving criticism for referring to her as a "short and dumpy girl" on Tuesday.

Following his controversial remarks during the premiere of HBO's highly anticipated series House of the Dragon, a Foxtel official clarified that the controversial joke was meant to be "self-deprecating."

Emilia Clarke rose from relative obscurity to become one of the best-known and most-beloved actors in film and television, according to a spokeswoman.

The Foxtel Group apologizes on behalf of Mr. Delany if his statements were misconstrued and caused offense. Delany's remarks on the 35-year-old actress, who is best known for portraying Daenerys Targaryen on the hit drama "Game of Thrones," raised eyebrows on Tuesday.

"I was like, 'What's this show with the short, dumpy girl walking into the fire?'' he said according to Crikey while recalling the famous scene in season one where Daenerys steps inside a burning temple.

 

According to insiders, his statement shocked the audience. Some cannot see what he meant by that comment and others could not believe his audacity. 

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Gasps filled the location, according to one attendee, and 'the crowd was definitely stunned', according to another.

As the ten-part series takes place 200 years before the events of "Game of Thrones," Emilia will not reprise her role as Daenerys.

Meanwhile, Ryan Corr of "Packed To The Rafters" and fellow Australian actor "Milly Alcock" have joined the cast. Emma D'Arcy as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen, Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon, Oliva Cooke as Alicent Hightower, and Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower also appear on the episode. 

Clarke has already made a strong impression on her Secret Invasion co-stars, with MCU veteran Samuel L. Jackson heaping praise on her on-set demeanor. Fans are still in the dark regarding Clarke's role in Phase 5's debut Disney+ series, despite the high level of anticipation around her entry into the MCU.

However, that is only until an Insider by the name of Daniel Richtman disclosed on his Patreon account that Emilia Clarke will portray G'iah, a well-known Skrull from Marvel Comics, in the upcoming Disney+ series. 

While Clarke has not yet been seen in her complete Skrull costume, a video from the set captures some exciting action for the former Game of Thrones star. The actress is observed on the ground with a mo-cap actor choking her, which could cause her character to disclose her real Skrull shape in the final footage. 

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Tags: Emilia Clarke Game of Thrones