BBC has apologised for asking Andrew Scott an awkward question about Saltburn at the recent Bafta Awards.
The 47-year-old looked visibly uncomfortable during the recent exchange, which they have now described as ‘misjudged’.
After reporter Colin Paterson asked Andrew about his film All of Us Strangers, they then discussed the popularity of Irish actors including Barry Keoghan, who starred in Saltburn.
‘Can I ask your reaction when you first saw the naked dance scene at the end of Saltburn?’ he enquired.
Trying to avoid the question about his friend’s full-frontal nudity, the Fleabag actor tutted.
‘I don’t want to spoil it for anybody,’ Andrew replied as he tried to move the conversation forward but the interviewer didn’t drop his questioning.
‘There is a lot of talk about the prosthetics…’ he interjected before Andrew pulled a face and decided to walk away.
The broadcaster has now explained why the question was asked.
‘Saltburn is a film which has had cultural impact, with Barry Keoghan’s scene at the end gaining a lot of attention in particular – something the actor has addressed himself.
‘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,’ they began. BBC added that Saltburn director Emerald Fennell, and singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor, whose song Murder on the Dancefloor features in the scene, also faced the same line of questioning.
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‘We do, however, accept that the specific question asked to Andrew Scott was misjudged. After speaking with Andrew on the carpet, our reporter acknowledged on air that his questioning may have gone too far and that he was sorry if this was the case,’ they added.
The red carpet moment was widely criticised, and complaints were sent to BBC which led to their response.
Accusations of underlying homophobic tones were levied at the reporter, given that Andrew identifies as gay.
‘There’s is something so deeply homophobic about asking Andrew Scott a gay man this weird ass question about Barry’s scene in Saltburn??’ wrote X user Amber.
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Mullins Martin added: ‘Shameful interview. Andrew Scott is so graceful.’
All Of Us Strangers received six nods at the award ceremony, including Outstanding British Film, Best Supporting Actor for Paul Mescal, Best Supporting Actress for Claire Foy and Best Director for Andrew Haigh.
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Meanwhile, Saltburn had five nominations including Outstanding British Film, Best Supporting Actor for Jacob Elordi, Best Supporting Actress for Rosamund Pike, and Best Actor in a Leading Role for Barry. However, the movies and their stars went home empty-handed.
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