She couldn’t bear the bizarre question.
During a recent interview at the Venice Film Festival, Ayo Edebiri had a viral moment after an interviewer excluded her from a question about Black Lives Matter and the #MeToo movement.
“The Bear” star, 29, was being interviewed at the Venice Film Festival with Julia Roberts, 57, and Andrew Garfield, 42, for Luca Guadagnino’s new film, “After The Hunt,” which stars the trio of actors.
Italian journalist Federica Polidoro for ArtsLife TV asked, “What have we lost in the politically correct era, and what we have to expect in Hollywood after the #MeToo movement and the Black Lives Matter are done?”
She specified that her question was posed to Roberts and Garfield. Roberts asked her to repeat the question, noting “with your sunglasses on, I can’t tell which of us you’re talking to.”
The interviewer repeated that her question was for Garfield and Roberts.
“I know that that’s not for me, and I don’t know if it’s purposeful if it’s not for me… [but] I don’t think it’s done,” Edebiri interjected. “I don’t think it’s done at all.”
The Emmy winner added, “Hashtags might not be used as much but I do think that there’s work being done by activists, by people every day that’s beautiful, important work. That’s not finished, that’s really, really active for a reason because this world’s really charged. And that work isn’t finished at all.”
Garfield said that both “movements are still absolutely alive,” referring to Black Lives Matter and #MeToo, while Roberts spoke up and said that the “work isn’t finished at all.”
One fan took to X to comment, “One thing we’re not talking enough about: how Ayo Edebiri *had* to be gracious in dealing with this appalling behavior and question because she would’ve been criticized for being ‘unprofessional’ or ‘rude’ or every other dogwhistle in the bag.”
Another person wrote, “Aside from Ayo Edebiri being a superstar class act, if I was a journalist and made Julia Roberts lean forward and speak to me this sternly, I would simply turn in my media badge, fill my pockets with rocks, and walk into the ocean.”
On Sunday, Polidoro took to Instagram to post a statement.
“Following an interview, I have been subjected to personal insults and attacks because of a question that, for some reason, was not well received by some members of the public.”
She added, “I find it striking that those who unjustly accuse me of racism and consider themselves custodians of justice find acceptable violent language, personal attacks, and cyberbullying.”
The reporter defended herself against “social media tribunals,” saying, “To date, I am not aware of any protocol that dictates the order in which questions must be asked in an interview. Censoring or delegitimizing questions considered ‘uncomfortable’ does not fall within the practice of democracy.”
She did not explain, however, why she excluded Edebiri from the question.
Polidoro said she wanted to “clarify” that she has interviewed “people of every background and ethnicity.”
She added that her own family is “multi-ethnic, matriarchal, and feminist, with a significant history of immigration……. In my view, the real racists are those who see racism everywhere and seek to muzzle journalism, limiting freedom of analysis, critical thinking, and the plurality of perspectives.”
She concluded her statement by saying, “Journalism’s role is to ask questions, even on delicate topics, with respect and responsibility. I will not tolerate or accept defamatory or violent language, and I reserve the right to seek legal protection against those who, in recent days, have chosen to hide behind the digital mob to insult and attack me instead of seeking a civil and constructive discussion.”
Still, fans were not impressed with her explanation. One comment blasted her, writing, “Your lack of accountability is nauseating. You asked a question that expressly concerned people of color, yet you chose not to ask the only woman of color sitting in front of you. Own it, apologize, and do better.”
The Post reached out to Edebiri and Polidoro for comment.
