Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood apologises for making controversial rape comments on 8 Out of 10 Cats
Outraged viewers called for the judge to be sacked after sharing his thoughts on Game of Thrones rape scenes
CRAIG Revel Horwood has issued an apology over the controversial comments he made about rape.
The Strictly Come Dancing judge appeared on comedy panel show 8 Out Of 10 Cats on Tuesday night and admitted he liked the shocking rape scenes in Games of Thrones.
But after outraged viewers called for him to be sacked from the BBC show, the star issued an apology.
He told : "I unreservedly apologise for any offence caused by my comments.";
When asked if he watched the HBO show Games Of Thrones, he said: "No, I persevered for the first series until the dragon came on and that's when I switched off.
"I liked all the sex scenes and the rape and I liked the cleavers through the skulls and I liked all of that, but I got very bored in the end."
His comment clearly shocked fellow panel members – including an very unimpressed-looking Katherine Ryan.
Horrified actress Aisling Bea questioned what exactly it was that bored him, asking: "When they weren't raping anyone? Am I the only one who heard that? What world are we living in? Oh Trump's world, fine, keep going."
In response to his remark Marilyn Hawes, founder of Enough Abuse UK said: "Craig's comments are deeply disrespectful. Rape is the most devastating and vile crime and I would have to question him as a person and his merit as a judge on the Strictly Come Dancing panel, which is a family show.
"His comment would have enraged many women and men who have been raped. How could he say he liked that scene? I'm absolutely disgusted.
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"You cannot have people on a family show with that mindset. I think the BBC should get rid of him. It is so distressing for people who have been raped to hear that.”
She continued: "I'm a huge fan of Strictly Come Dancing. It's not a reflection on his ability as a judge or dancer, I enjoy watching him. However it is going on in his mind, which is concerning.
"When you are in such a high-profile position you cannot afford to make comments like this. He has done himself no favours by saying this. You cannot have someone glibly talking about rape like this, it's jaw-droppingly awful."
Game Of Thrones is well known for its explicit and violent scenes.
One of the most shocking rape scenes featured Sophie Turner’s character Sansa Stark being raped by Ramsay Bolton.
But while the scene caused controversy among viewers, Sophie revealed she was bemused by the negative attention the show receives.
Hitting back she insisted: "The thing is, Game Of Thrones does not shy away from things that happened in those times.
"The oppression of women happened, and rape still happens, particularly in wars and arranged marriages. Why is there so much attention when it happens on television and not when it happens in the real world? It happens every day all over the world and you never hear about it."