Contrary to fan theories, the actor known for playing King Joffrey left screen work for reasons unrelated to any negative backlash. He credits supportive audiences and clarifies that his hiatus stemmed from personal choices rather than discontent or harassment.
Game of Thrones star explains why he took a break from screen acting, and it was nothing to do with his King Joffrey role

Key Takeaways:
- The actor took a planned break from screen acting, not due to fan abuse
- Rumors tied the hiatus to his portrayal as King Joffrey
- He insists overall public reaction has been respectful
- Gamesradar+ reported his clarifications
- The article was published on September 28, 2025
The Actor’s Break
The former “Game of Thrones” star, infamous among fans for portraying King Joffrey, recently addressed speculation surrounding his departure from on-screen projects. For years, viewers theorized that backlash against his villainous character had driven him away, but he made it clear that was never the case.
Clarifying the Rumors
“Thankfully, it wasn’t because I received any sort of abuse from anybody,” he said, refuting suggestions that he had left acting to avoid hostile reactions. Despite the intensity of his character’s negative reputation, the actor described fans and the public as respectful and supportive, both during and after his time on the show.
Reflection on the Role
King Joffrey quickly became one of television’s most notorious figures, inciting debates on social media and fueling strong audience reactions. These discussions led many to assume the actor might have decided to step out of the spotlight due to negativity. However, his statement reveals that the break was a personal choice, rather than a forced retreat from criticism.
Looking Ahead
Published by Gamesradar+ on September 28, 2025, this story offers a candid glimpse into how the actor has navigated his fame since “Game of Thrones.” Although full details remain under wraps due to paid content restrictions, his clarification suggests a confident readiness to continue in the industry on his own terms, free from the shadow of King Joffrey’s infamy.