Game of Thrones actor apologises for rape joke

Game of Thrones star Jason Momoa has apologised for joking about "raping beautiful women".

The comment was made in 2011 - but has resurfaced after the claims of sexual assault against Harvey Weinstein.

Speaking about his love of fantasy and sci-fi roles, he said he enjoyed being able to "rip someone's tongue out of their throat and get away with it, and rape beautiful women".

In an Instagram post, he's apologised for the "truly tasteless" comment.

The actor made the remark while speaking on a panel at Comic Con, when he was playing Kahl Drogo in Game of Thrones.

After making the rape comment, some of his fellow cast members put their heads in their hands. But there's also a lot of laughing from the crowd.

Six years on though, some of the reaction on Twitter is very different.

Following the backlash, Jason Momoa put out an apology on Instagram.

The actor says he understands the "insensitivity" of his remarks but knows his "sincerest apology now won't take away those hurtful words".

Female fantasy fans to Jason Momoa: we wanted to believe you weren't typical male trash. We wanted it so, so much. pic.twitter.com/jvRZr1tG5E

— Leigh Cuen (@La__Cuen) October 12, 2017

Everyone laughing after Jason Momoa jokes about rape IS rape culture. That laughter is why victims don't come forward.

— Meg Ahsens (@MegAhsens) October 12, 2017

If you have a problem with Jason Momoa's joke FROM 2011, but DON'T have a problem with GOT, you're a hypocrite.

— Kira Ryan (@shakira427) October 12, 2017

"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 says.

I APOLOGISE Aloha j

A post shared by Jason Momoa (@prideofgypsies) on Oct 12, 2017 at 4:32pm PDT