Matt Smith is being praised for correcting an interviewer who used the wrong pronouns for his House of the Dragon co-star, Emma D’Arcy.
While speaking with Sue Perkins, host of Sky’s fan show House of the Dragon: War Room, the TV presenter referred to D’Arcy as “she.”
Smith gently corrected her, earning applause from fans on social media.
One fan commented: “And this is how it’s done, my friends. Matt is an absolute TREASURE of a human being.”
Another wrote: “Matt correcting Sue on Emma’s pronouns, oh my heart.”
A third added: “Emma deserves better as this wasn’t the only time this happened at the premiere. I am, however, howling at how passive-aggressive Matt got real quickly.”
In a clip of the moment, Perkins said: “I was talking to Emma and she was talking about how amazing that end scene was… and she gave you all the credit.”
Without hesitation, Smith gently highlighted D’Arcy’s correct pronouns.
He responded: “I can’t take the credit, [but] I have to say, aren’t they brilliant? They are absolutely brilliant, and you’re in for a real treat with Emma this year. I think Emma’s put in… a really great performance.”
Later, Perkins addressed the mistake on social media and apologized for misgendering Emma D’Arcy.
The former Great British Bake Off host wrote: “It was a s****y mistake. Had loads of stuff going on in my earpiece and so wasn’t as focused as I should have been.
“No excuses though. These things matter and I feel terrible about it. Am a massive fan of their work and would never want to be disrespectful x.”
In response, someone commented: “As someone who is misgendered on a regular basis, we get it. Mistakes are made.”
Perkins replied again, saying: “I’m sorry x.”
D’Arcy identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, which are gender-neutral.
In an interview with E! News, D’Arcy spoke about the pressure of presenting as a woman earlier in their career.
“It wasn’t sustainable, and I stopped pretending,” D’Arcy shared. “And weirdly at that point, I got nominated for Best Actress for the Golden Globes, which is like beautifully ironic.”
The actor explained that this nomination signifies how ‘the space for trans people and gender non-conforming people is constantly expanding.’
