'Game of Thrones' author accused of racism over Hugo Awards performance

George RR Martin virtually hosted the Hugo Awards, the most prestigious fan-voted annual awards ceremony in science fiction.

Many people watching worldwide, including finalists and winners, were horrified by Martin's hosting, reported by Indepent.

Martin repeatedly mispronounced the names of Black and brown authors, crack gags about the genitalia of 'eunuch' Oscar statues and paid tribute to dead white, male authors who held fascist beliefs.

The Song of Ice and Fire said, "Pronunciation has never been my strong suit. I even mispronounce the name of my own characters at times (witness some of my interviews). But at no point in the process was I ever given a phonetic guide to how to pronounce all the other finalists, the ones who did not win. Had I received that, I would certainly have made every effort to get all the names correct."

Martin was also accused of erasing the achievements of Black author N.K. Jemisin, who has won Best Novel three years in a row – a historic accomplishment.

But instead, Martin took the opportunity to ramble on about a white man who won the same award three times – but over a period of nine years.