Actress Ayo Edebiri is receiving praise for her reaction when an interviewer attempted to exclude her from a discussion concerning the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements in a recent interview. During a promotional interview for their film “After the Hunt” on Italy’s ArtsLife TV, reporter Federica Polidoro posed a question about what might have been “lost during the politically correct era” and how Hollywood could progress now that the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements are perceived as “over.”
Edebiri, along with co-stars Andrew Garfield and Julia Roberts, appeared taken aback by the question. Roberts requested clarification and asked who the question was directed towards. After Polidoro specified that the question was only for Garfield and Roberts, Edebiri, who is Black, spoke out.
She emphasized that the movements are far from being over, stating that while hashtags may not be as prevalent, activists and individuals continue to actively engage in significant and ongoing work that remains crucial in our charged world.
Both Roberts and Garfield concurred that the movements are still very much alive. The film, helmed by Italy’s Luca Guadagnino, portrays the story of a Yale professor, played by Roberts, whose life is disrupted when a colleague is accused of sexual assault by a student.
The interview sparked immediate online reactions, with many criticizing the question and Edebiri’s exclusion as racist and misogynistic. Some commended Roberts and Garfield for allowing Edebiri to voice her perspective, highlighting their coordinated response and professionalism.
Polidoro defended her practice of asking “uncomfortable” questions, rebuffing critics for fixating on the question’s wording rather than the actors’ thoughtful replies. She further suggested that those labeling her as racist were the actual perpetrators of racism, criticizing the suppression of journalism.
However, Polidoro’s response faced additional backlash, as observers pointed out that she failed to address why Edebiri was initially sidelined from the discussion or acknowledge the critique surrounding that decision.