BBC News has released a statement in defense of an awkward red carpet interview with Andrew Scott, which gained widespread attention and sparked accusations of homophobia, almost a week after the Baftas.
On Sunday afternoon, BBC’s Colin Paterson interviewed Scott, whose film All of Us Strangers received multiple nominations, and asked for his thoughts on Irish actor Barry Keoghan’s nude dance in the finale of Saltburn.
Scott seemed uneasy, however, Paterson persisted with the subject, suggesting that Keoghan may have had a fake penis. He then asked Scott for his opinion and followed up with the question: “How familiar are you with him?”
Scott responded to the question with a smile and dismissed it before walking away without giving an answer. The short interview gained attention on various social media platforms and was met with widespread disapproval. Many criticized Paterson for implying that Scott’s sexual orientation was a factor in his alleged encounter with his colleague.
The BBC received numerous complaints regarding the interview. Even those who believed that awkwardness was the main issue rather than prejudice based on gender, found the tone and content of the questioning to be uncomfortable and unsuitable.
The BBC has issued a statement in defense of the interview, but acknowledges that the question about Scott’s knowledge of his friend’s genitals was not appropriate.
“Our journalist first inquired with Andrew Scott about his involvement in the film All of Us Strangers, which received six Bafta nominations,” states the press release. “The conversation then shifted to the prevalence of Irish actors, including Barry Keoghan from the film Saltburn. Saltburn has made a significant cultural impact, with Keoghan’s final scene garnering much attention, something he has personally acknowledged.”
“Our question to Andrew Scott was meant to be a light hearted reflection of the discussion around the scene and was not intended to cause offence. Saltburn writer and director, Emerald Fennell, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, whose song Murder on the Dancefloor was used in the sequence, were also asked about the scene.”
The statement goes on to say: “However, we admit that the particular question posed to Andrew Scott was not appropriate. Our reporter apologized on air after speaking with Andrew on the red carpet, recognizing that their line of questioning may have been excessive and expressing remorse if this was the situation.”
Paterson, a 50-year-old journalist with extensive experience in the entertainment industry, has covered prestigious events such as the Baftas and the Oscars on multiple occasions. In 2014, while reporting from the red carpet at the Vanity Fair party, he used a technique reminiscent of Alan Partridge by repeatedly calling out Bono’s name. This strategy proved effective and the U2 frontman agreed to a short interview.
Source: theguardian.com
