Sibel Kekilli on Shae’s reasons for taking the stand

In this week’s episode of Game of Thrones, things went from bad to worse for Tyrion Lannister as people with grudges lined up to testify against him as he sat in chains, on trial for his life. No witness hit harder or shocked audiences more than Shae, his ex-lover (played Sibel Kekilli) whom he shipped off several episodes ago.

In a new interview, Kekilli shares her take on Shae’s damning actions and motivations in “The Laws of Gods and Men.”

“It was not easy at all for Shae to be there,” Kekilli tells The Daily Beast. “She is hurt, she is angry, sad, and desperate. She never wanted to be in that kind of situation but Tyrion forced her somehow. He always had the opportunity to go away with her to a safe place and live quietly and peacefully. Yet he has never taken it.”

When asked why Shae agrees to testify, the actress replies, “Did she have a choice? The Lannisters found her and there was only a choice between agreeing to testify against Tyrion or die. And of course she was badly hurt and wanted revenge on him. She is a proud woman, she has always been fully loyal to Tyrion, and instead of maintaining her relationship he decided to go for power—and against love.”

For more of the actress’s insight into Tyrion and Shae’s relationship, her view on why Shae refused Varys’s offer last season and Shae’s conflicted feelings about Sansa, and Sibel’s advocating work for women’s rights, visit The Daily Beast to read the full article.

• Published on 05/14/2014 at 3:18 PM CDT
• Last updated on 10/21/2016 at 12:42 PM CDT