The actress stands by the storytelling choice as a catalyst for meaningful discussion about women’s struggles under patriarchy

August 26, 2025 — In a revealing interview with Flaunt, Sophie Turner, who portrayed Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, addressed one of the most contentious moments of the series—Sansa’s assault by Ramsay Bolton in Season 5. Turner reaffirmed her belief that the scene served a critical purpose, shining light on real-world issues rather than serving as gratuitous spectacle.

“I Feel Proud to Have Been Part of the Conversation”

Reflecting on the controversial scene, Turner acknowledged its deeply disturbing nature and its potential to trigger viewers. Yet she emphasized its broader significance:

“Game of Thrones shone a light on things that many people were like ‘Oh god, you can’t show that kind of thing’… But I did feel we were actually doing a lot of justice to women and the fight women have had to fight for hundreds of thousands of years … I feel proud to have been part of the conversation.”

She noted the prevalence of sexual violence across history and remarked on how rarely the topic is discussed openly—even among men who often express disbelief at just how common it is. Turner added that, were the show produced today, it would likely include trigger warnings.

Why the Controversy Endures

This Season 5 scene remains one of the most debated in the series, due to several factors:

Deviation from the Source Material: The plotline, including Sansa’s assault, is not found in George R.R. Martin’s books, sparking criticism from purists.

Visual Emphasis on Theon’s Reaction: Some critics argue that the scene’s framing prioritized Theon Greyjoy’s trauma over Sansa’s experience, diluting her agency.

Ongoing Debate on Depicting Sexual Violence: While some viewed the scene as insensitive or excessive, others defended it as a necessary depiction of the harsh realities women face—especially in patriarchal systems.

Turner’s Long-Term Perspective

This isn’t the first time Turner has defended the narrative weight of the scene:

In earlier reflections, she described how portraying Sansa’s ordeal inspired her to become an activist, working with organizations supporting survivors of sexual violence.

She has consistently pointed out that silencing or sanitizing these experiences undermines their gravity—and that confronting taboo subjects can foster vital discussions.

In Summary

Sophie Turner’s defense is rooted in a belief that Game of Thrones wielded its narrative power responsibly. Despite discomfort and backlash, she sees the portrayal of Sansa’s assault as a bold step toward exposing the systemic mistreatment of women. By refusing to shy away, Turner argues, the show opened up a space—however flawed—for meaningful discourse.