Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany apologized to Emilia Clarke via a representative after being chastised for referring to her as a “short and dumpy girl” on Tuesday.

A Foxtel official clarified that his controversial remarks during the premiere of HBO’s highly anticipated series House of the Dragon were meant to be “self-deprecating.”

According to a spokeswoman, Emilia Clarke rose from relative obscurity to become one of the most well-known and well-liked actors in film and television.

Mr. Delany’s statements were misconstrued and caused offense, and the Foxtel Group apologizes on his behalf. Delany’s remarks about the 35-year-old actress, best known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in the hit HBO series “Game of Thrones,” sparked outrage on Tuesday.

While recalling the famous scene from season one in which Daenerys enters a burning temple, according to Crikey, he said:

“I was like, ‘What’s this show with the short, dumpy girl walking into the fire?”

Insiders say his statement stunned the audience. Some couldn’t understand what he meant by that remark, while others couldn’t believe his audacity.

According to one attendee, the venue was filled with gasps, and “the crowd was definitely stunned.”

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

Meanwhile, “Packed To The Rafters” star Ryan Corr and fellow Australian actor “Milly Alcock” have joined the cast. The episode also stars 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.

Clarke has already made an impression on her “Secret Invasion” co-stars, with Marvel Cinematic Universe veteran Samuel L. Jackson praising her on-set demeanor. Despite the high level of anticipation surrounding Clarke’s entry into the MCU, fans are still in the dark about her role in Phase 5’s debut Disney+ series.

That is, until Insider Daniel Richtman revealed on his Patreon account that Emilia Clarke will play G’iah, a well-known Skrull from Marvel Comics, in the upcoming Disney+ series.

While Clarke has yet to be seen fully dressed as a Skrull, a video from the set captures some exciting action for the former “Game of Thrones” star. The actress is seen on the ground with a mo-cap actor choking her, which could lead to her character revealing her true Skrull shape in the end.