4. Season 2, Episode 4 “Garden of Bones”
The fourth moment on our list that proves Joffrey is the worst character in the history of the show is in Game of Thrones season 2, episode 4, “Garden of Bones”, which aired on HBO on April 22, 2012. The official synopsis for the episode reads:
"“Lord Baelish arrives at Renly’s camp just before he faces off against Stannis. Daenerys and her company are welcomed into the city of Qarth. Arya, Gendry, and Hot Pie find themselves imprisoned at Harrenhal.”"
In “Garden of Bones,” Joffrey orders Sansa Stark to be stripped naked and beaten in front of the royal court a cruel punishment for her brother’s victory against the Lannister forces. He initially brandishes a loaded crossbow at her while contemplating killing her there on the spot to send her brother Rob a message. However, he then turns to Ser Meryn Trant and orders him to make sure to keep her face blemish-free, as he likes “her pretty”, before humiliating her, by stripping her partially naked, and beating her violently while watching on in glee.
This moment is grotesque to watch and demonstrates why he is one of the most hated characters in the series, as it shows Joffrey’s willingness and pleasure in causing pain and humiliation to others. Something he then exhibits throughout the rest of his time on Game of Thrones.