Los Angeles, April 9 (IANS): "Game of Thrones" actress Emilia Clarke has shot down misogynistic claims over the popular TV series. She says the female characters are becoming much stronger.

The 28-year-old actress hit back after the show was attacked with the label for its depiction of sexual violence.

The actress, who plays Daenerys Targaryen in the HBO series, shared her views while talking to Radio Times magazine, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"You start to see all of the women in the show accepting who they are and embodying that with such power that it's palpable. I think that's the beauty of the show -- as women, we accept our femininity and take strength from it, as opposed to trying to hide it and behave in a masculine way.

"People have started to see Daenerys as a strong female icon," she said.

Comments were made referring to a controversial scene in which actress Lena Headey's character Cersei Lannister appeared to be raped by her brother whilst laying next to her son.