Was Joffrey a Sadist?

Joffrey is an amoral sadist who disguises his cruelty with a thin veneer of charm. This is best epitomized by his response when his (then) betrothed offends him: Joffrey pronounces that his mother had taught him never to strike a woman, and so commissions a knight of the Kingsguard to hit her instead.

Why was Joffrey so sadistic?

Honda believes Joffrey suffers from a specific form of sadistic personality disorder called tyrannical sadism, due to his habit of relishing in "verbally and physically harming and abusing others with his power."

Was Joffrey a sadist in the books?

Appearance and Character

Twelve years old at the beginning of A Song of Ice and Fire, Joffrey was strong-willed as a child. Although he can be gallant and courteous, he has an uncontrollable temper not unlike his mother, Queen Cersei Lannister, and an unchecked sadistic streak.