A statement has been released by BBC News in defense of an interview on the red carpet with Andrew Scott, which caused controversy and sparked allegations of homophobia, almost a week after the Baftas.
On the previous Sunday, Colin Paterson from the BBC interviewed Scott about his film All of Us Strangers, which received multiple nominations. Paterson asked for Scott’s thoughts on Irish actor Barry Keoghan’s nude dance at the end of Saltburn.
Scott seemed uneasy, but Paterson persisted with the conversation, suggesting that Keoghan’s penis may have been fake. He then turned to Scott for his opinion and questioned, “How familiar are you with him?”
Scott responded to the question with a smile and left without giving an answer. The short interview was spread on social media and received widespread criticism. Many people interpreted Paterson’s comment as insinuating that Scott’s sexual orientation could have influenced him to have seen his colleague naked.
The BBC was also the subject of numerous complaints regarding the interview. Even those who believed that awkwardness was the main issue rather than sexual bias expressed discomfort and disapproval towards the tone and line of questioning.
The BBC stands by their interview, but acknowledges that the question about Scott’s knowledge of his friend’s genitals was a mistake.
The statement mentions that our reporter interviewed Andrew Scott regarding his role in the film “All of Us Strangers,” which received six Bafta nominations. The conversation also touched upon the success of Irish actors, with a mention of Barry Keoghan, who starred in “Saltburn.” This film has had a significant cultural impact, with Keoghan’s final scene gaining significant attention. The actor himself has addressed this attention.
We asked Andrew Scott a lighthearted question to reflect on the discussion about the scene. Our intention was not to offend anyone. We also asked the writer and director of Saltburn, Emerald Fennell, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, whose song “Murder on the Dancefloor” was used in the scene, about their thoughts.
The statement goes on to say, “We acknowledge that the question posed to Andrew Scott was inappropriate. Our reporter also apologized on air after speaking with Andrew on the red carpet, realizing that the questioning may have crossed a line.”
Paterson, who is 50 years old, is an experienced entertainment journalist. He has attended the Baftas and Oscars on numerous occasions. In 2014, while reporting from the red carpet at the Vanity Fair party, he loudly called out Bono’s name seven times in a comedic manner similar to Alan Partridge. This approach proved effective as the U2 frontman agreed to a quick interview.
Source: theguardian.com
