Emilia Clarke says controversial Game of Thrones scenes empowered her character

Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke has again hit back at those that have criticised her character's controversial rape scenes, instead suggesting that such experiences have made Daenerys stronger.

The scenes in question date back to 2011 involving Clarke's on-screen husband Khal Drogo, Jason Momoa, and still the debate continues.

When pressed on such controversy by Glamour Magazine, the 29-year old seemed to be looking at the bigger picture, so to speak.

She said: “The consensual sex she has thereafter was genius. She is physically saying, 'You can't rape me again. I'm going to be in control and show you something you've never seen before.

“At the heart of it, we're telling a story; you need that part of the story to feel empathy for Daenerys. You see her attacked by her brother, raped by her husband, and then going, ‘F**k all of you, I'm gonna rule the world.”

Whether you agree with George RR Martin's decision to include violent rape scenes of this nature or not, it was his intention to spark debate on controversial issues of this kind, and he's explained that on numerous occasions.

Back in June 2015 the book writer was involved in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, where he defended his inclusion of rape. He said: “Rape, unfortunately, still a part of war today. It’s not a strong testament to the human race, but I don’t think we should pretend it doesn’t exist.

“I want to portray struggle. Drama comes out of conflict. If you portray a utopia, then you probably wrote a pretty boring book.”

What do you think? Should scenes of this nature be shown on TV, or in the books for that matter…. Let us know in the comments section below.

[Glamour]