The BBC has come forward to defend an interview with Andrew Scott at the BAFTAs, which has sparked controversy over a question about Barry Keoghan’s nude scene in “Saltburn.”
Key Takeaway
The BBC has defended the interview with Andrew Scott, stating that the questions about Barry Keoghan’s nude scene were not intended to cause offense and were meant to reflect the cultural impact of the film.
Background of the Controversy
During the interview, entertainment correspondent Colin Paterson asked Andrew about Barry Keoghan’s nude scene at the end of “Saltburn.” This line of questioning has been criticized as homophobic, given Andrew’s sexual orientation and the nature of the question.
BBC’s Response
In response to the backlash, the BBC released a statement, acknowledging the complaints it has received. The network clarified that the questions posed by Colin were “meant to be a light-hearted reflection of the discussion around the scene and was not intended to cause offense.”
Interview Context
The BBC explained that the interview initially focused on Andrew’s movie, “All of Us Strangers,” before transitioning to a discussion about the popularity of his fellow Irish actors, including Barry Keoghan.
Apology and Acknowledgment
While the BBC acknowledged that some of the questions, particularly regarding prosthetics and personal familiarity, were “misjudged,” it also highlighted that similar questions were posed to other individuals involved in the film, such as writer and director Emerald Fennell and singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
Colin Paterson addressed the issue later during the BAFTA broadcast, admitting that his “questioning may have gone too far” and expressing regret if this caused any offense.
