Warning: the story below contains spoilers for Game of Thrones season eight.
Gwendoline Christie has reacted to a season eight scene in which her character Brienne of Tarth has her first sexual experience with Jaime Lannister, saying she’s “glad” the moment unfolded as it did.
The scene can be found in the fourth episode in the season, “The Last of the Starks”.
As Brienne and Jaime undress, he tells the recently knighted Brienne: “I’ve never slept with a knight before.” She responds: “I’ve never slept with anyone before.”
This narrative arc caused some controversy among fans, namely because Tyrion Lannister publicly asks Brienne whether she’s a virgin moments before she sleeps with Jaime – which some interpreted as virgin-shaming.
Christie, however, told People she’s happy with how Brienne’s experience was portrayed on the screen.
“Personally, I’m glad that Brienne elected to have her first sexual experience,” she said. “It was something that she consents to and I’m glad we see her leaving herself open and having an honest, emotional response to that – and recovering from it. And, ultimately, superseding her expectations and no longer being in service and protecting someone else but being in control.”
Game of Thrones concluded in May after eight seasons.
Christie is now up for the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, for which she nominated herself.
The award ceremony will take place on 22 September.
