House of the Dragon Star Slams ‘nasty’ Comments About His Scar

Photo of Emma Bowman Emma BowmanAugust 3, 2024
House of the Dragon Star Slams nasty Comments About His Scar 1

A House of the Dragon actor has responded to fans who described the scar on his face as “deformity” and asked them to use gentler language.

In Season 2 Episode 7, men and women who believe they are descendants of the Valyrians secretly sail to Dragonstone in a valiant attempt to bond with the remaining dragons of the Blacks, Vermithor and Silverwing clans.

Everyone is worried, but one person steps forward: Silver Denys, played by Robert Rhodes. Unfortunately, things don’t go well for him: Vermithor burns him alive before massacring most of the other dragon-seed wannabes.

Since the episode’s release, several fans have pointed out the scar on Rhodes’ face. “That’s his real face, disfigured by the birthmark,” one wrote.

Rhodes responded on X/Twitter, urging people to consider “using correct language when referring to scars”.

“It can be called a scar or a difference, the word DISABLED is not very pleasant and implies that I am not perfect/correct, I am not wrong, just a little different,” he wrote.

Rhodes’ performance was also praised by viewers, with one noting that this may be the first time “others out there with birthmarks/scars have never seen a positive representation of themselves on screen”.

“I just want to say that I appreciate this kind post, taking a thoughtful note of someone else’s appearance. I think you’re pretty cool,” another wrote.

“Thank you for sharing your perspective! You’re right, words are powerful, and ‘disfigured’ can be hurtful. Let’s choose kindness and empathy in our language,” a third added.

However, this isn’t the first time body-shaming has come up in the new season. In a previous episode, Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) appeared completely naked in a brothel, prompting “gross” and “not funny” jokes about the actor’s appearance that were widely criticized.

Before you go, make sure you’re up to date with our House of the Dragon Season 2 release schedule and check out our guides to Saera Targaryen, Hugh Hammer, and Ulf the White.

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Photo of Emma Bowman Emma BowmanAugust 3, 2024
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