'Khal Drago' Apologizes for 2011 Rape 'Joke'

He got laughter at the time. Now, he's offering up an apology. Jason Momoa, the actor who played Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones, found himself caught up in the recent groundswell of stories of sexual harassment and assault at the hands of Hollywood players. While sitting on a 2011 Comic-Con panel, Momoa was filmed explaining why he loves the sci-fi and fantasy genre, reports Entertainment Weekly. The damning words: "There are so many things you can do, like rip someone’s tongue out of their throat and get away with it and rape beautiful women."

The actor addressed the uproar with an Instagram post that reads, "I awoke in Australia to the justified reactions by many people to a distasteful joke I made years ago ... for which I am sorry. 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. It is unacceptable and I sincerely apologize with a heavy heart for the words I said." The Guardian reports Momoa is next set to appear as Aquaman in DC's Justice League, which also stars another actor who has been widely censured: Ben Affleck. (More Game of Thrones stories.)