One of the many problems with a passionate fandom is that some individuals get too involved with the fictional world of their favourite story. They take it really personally when there’s a gruesome death scene, or if one of their favourite characters are killed off. Many times these angry fanatics get mad at the actors playing a negative role, and vent out at them, often sending death threats. Game of Thrones star Carice Van Houten, famous for playing Melisandre on the show, was a victim of such fan behaviour.
All of this began after her scene involving Shireen Baratheon’s tragic demise. To lay his claim to the Iron Throne, Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane) sacrifices his daughter Shireen (Kerry Ingram) to the Lord of Light, going along with the advice given by Melisandre. Stannis eventually goes on to lose everything, his army, his family, and of course his chance to claim the Iron Throne.
The scene where Shireen is set aflame and burnt to her death was received strongly by the audience, some of them reacting too strongly. In an interview with the Telegraph, Carice revealed she received death threats from fans. She remarked, “There are people who take it a little bit too seriously.”
What’s funny is the fact the same fans were sending her marriage proposals after she resurrected Jon Snow (Kit Harington) in season 6. She also spoke about the nudity on the show, especially her own :
“In Melisandre’s case, I think I can justify it because she uses sexuality as a weapon… she’s trying to manipulate. I find it hypocritical that we can show people with their heads blown off, then there’s one nipple and viewers get upset. That’s the thing that I struggle with… you don’t have sex with a bra on. I just want to normalise it. I would struggle more with my own vanity at this point to undress,’ she continues, ‘because I feel way less secure about my body, especially after giving birth and having turned 40.”
Carice was last seen playing the lead role in The Affair. What do you think of the death threats received by the actress? Tell us in the comments below!
