Game of Thrones actor Jason Momoa has apologised for his 'distasteful' rape joke, amid sexual misconduct allegations against film mogul Harvey Weinstein.
Speaking to a crowd of fans at Comic-Con in 2011, the Haiwaii-born star revealed he likes playing roles in sci-fi and fantasy films because he's allowed to 'rape beautiful women'.
The actor, who played Kahl Drogo in Game of Thrones at the time, said: 'But as far as sci-fi and fantasy, I love that genre because 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.'
In video footage of the comments, several of the star's GOT co-stars including Kit Harington and Lena Headey can be seeing burying their head in the hands and looking uncomfortable at Momoa's remark.
In light of Weinstein's sexual harassment scandal and allegations against Ben Affleck - with whom Momoa stars in up-coming film Justice League - regarding his sexual misconduct over the years, the GOT actor has take to Instagram to apologise for his 'hurtful words'.
In a statement on the social media platform he said: 'I awoke in Australia to the justified reactions by many people to a distasteful joke I made years ago in Hall H for which I am sorry. I am still severely disappointed in myself at the insensitivity of my remarks to 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 apologise with a heavy heart for the words I said. All apologies, Jason.'
His apology has been welcomed by his fans with one commenting on his post: 'The fact you acknowledged and recognised it was wrong and have apologised shows the type of man you are mate, head up Jason much love brother.'
Another wrote: 'It takes a strong man to admit he's wrong and apologise.'
It comes days after Ben Affleck apologised for 'groping' US actress Hilarie Burton after a fan reminded her of the alleged incident on TRL in 2003.
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