Matt Smith is being praised for stepping in to correct an interviewer who used incorrect pronouns when referring to his House of the Dragon co-star, Emma D’Arcy.
The former Doctor Who star was speaking with Sue Perkins, host of Sky’s fan show House of the Dragon: War Room, when the TV presenter mistakenly referred to Emma D’Arcy using the pronoun “she.”
People on social media have praised Matt Smith for his thoughtful and respectful handling of the situation.
Matt Smith is receiving praise for correcting an interview who used the wrong pronouns when discussing his co-star. Credit: SkyOne 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 person remarked, “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 from 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 corrected Perkins, emphasizing D’Arcy’s correct pronouns.
He said, “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 D’Arcy.
The former Great British Bake Off host said, “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,” Perkins added.
In response, one person wrote, “As someone who is misgendered on a regular basis, we get it. Mistakes are made.”
Perkins then reiterated, “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.”
Beyond its impact on their career, D’Arcy expressed that the Golden Globe nomination signifies how “the space for trans people and gender non-conforming people is getting bigger all the time.”
