Controversial BAFTA Interview BBC Clarification

Controversial BAFTA Interview BBC Clarification

Controversial BAFTA Interview

BBC News has issued a statement in light of the negative reaction following a red-carpet interview with openly gay actor Andrew Scott, clarifying that the questioning by reporter Colin Paterson about Barry Keoghan’s explicit scene in “Saltburn” was supposed to be “light-hearted.”

Details of the Interview Incident

During the 77th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) held on February 18, a segment where Paterson interviewed Scott garnered widespread attention. Social media users and The Hollywood Reporter highlighted that the nature of Paterson’s questions seemed unsuitable and possibly homophobic. In the contentious segment, Paterson inquired about Scott’s familiarity with Keoghan, noting their shared Irish heritage. Following Scott’s acknowledgment of knowing Keoghan, Paterson delved into Scott’s thoughts on Keoghan’s revealing performance in “Saltburn.” Scott, appearing uneasy, chose not to discuss the movie in detail to avoid spoilers. Paterson continued, indirectly querying about the use of prosthetics by Keoghan in the scene, which led to Scott terminating the interview abruptly.

British Academy Film Awards BBC NEWS

The BBC Clarification

BBC News, on February 23, addressed the situation, stating, “We received complaints from people who felt a question asked to Andrew Scott on the Bafta red carpet was inappropriate and homophobic.” The broadcaster defended the sequence of the questioning, indicating that Paterson had initially discussed Scott’s film, “All of Us Strangers,” which was up for six BAFTA awards, before shifting focus to the Irish actors and the specific scene in “Saltburn.”

Clarification and Apologies from the Network

The network maintained that the question was meant to reflect the existing dialogue surrounding the film scene humorously and did not aim to offend. The statement also pointed out that both Emerald Fennell, the writer and director of “Saltburn,” and pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor, whose song features in the controversial scene, had been questioned on the topic but were not asked about prosthetic use.

BBC’s Concession and Future Considerations

Nevertheless, the BBC conceded that the line of inquiry posed to Scott could have been inconsiderate, stating, “We do, however, accept that the specific question asked to Andrew Scott was misjudged.” The broadcaster mentioned that following the exchange, Paterson admitted on air that his approach might have been excessive and extended his apologies if it appeared so.