For a while now, the official HBO party line on Game of Thrones' depiction of sexual violence against women has been "We do it because it happens IRL—but we're taking your outrage into account!" However, in a recent interview, a network exec added a new layer to the argument, asserting that, hey, all the characters on the show get hurt in gruesome ways, so it sort of balances out.
"Using Game of Thrones, violence is not just specific to women, it's men and women," Casey Bloys said when asked whether HBO relies on sexualized violence as a means of world-building. "The point of is there a lot of violence in Westworld and Game of Thrones? Yes, but I don't necessarily think that it's specifically isolated to women." When pressed, he went on to say that while a male rape hasn't been shown, castration and a dude eating a cake made from his son's flesh *have,* so "the violence is spread equally."
Ooookay, Mr. Eye for an Eye Even Though They're Not Even the Same. Perhaps it would help to think of violence not in terms of a scorecard but as "Is this much in this way really necessary?"
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Chelsea Peng is a writer and editor who was formerly the assistant editor at MarieClaire.com. She's also worked for The Strategist and Refinery29, and is a graduate of Northwestern University. On her tombstone, she would like a GIF of herself that's better than the one that already exists on the Internet and a free fro-yo machine. Besides frozen dairy products, she's into pirates, carbs, Balzac, and snacking so hard she has to go lie down.
-
Prince William Feels “Helpless and Scared” One Month After Princess Kate’s Cancer Diagnosis
In her video message announcing her diagnosis, Kate praised William for being “a great source of comfort and reassurance.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Le Labo’s New Lavande 31 Eau de Parfum Redefines Lavender Fragrance
It’s an entirely fresh take on lavender.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
The Best Hair Straighteners Add Instant Shine to Your Style
These picks are coming in hot.
By Sophia Vilensky Published
-
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ 2023: Everything We Know
Cue up Mike Reno and Ann Wilson’s “Almost Paradise."
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
Who Is Gerry Turner, the ‘Golden Bachelor’?
The Indiana native is the first senior citizen to join Bachelor Nation.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
‘Virgin River’ Season 6: Everything We Know
Here's everything we know on the upcoming episodes.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
Kim Cattrall Didn't See or Speak to Her Costars When Filming 'And Just Like That' Cameo
That's some type of commitment.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Documentaries About Black History to Educate Yourself With
Take your allyship a step further.
By Bianca Rodriguez Published
-
The 60 Best K-Dramas You'll Be Completely Hooked On
Wait, how is it already 2 a.m.?
By Quinci LeGardye Last updated
-
Selena Gomez Revealed Meryl Streep Is Joining 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 3
Fans are losing it.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Sophia Brown on Joining the World of ‘The Witcher: Blood Origin’
The actress opens up about the “surreal process” of playing the Lark in the Netflix fantasy prequel.
By Quinci LeGardye Published