Backlash Over BBC Reporter’s Uncomfortable Questions to Andrew Scott at BAFTAs
The 77th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) took an uncomfortable turn when BBC entertainment correspondent Colin Paterson asked actor Andrew Scott a series of inappropriate questions on the red carpet. The incident drew backlash from viewers and critics alike, who called the questions “disgusting” and “appalling.”
During the interview, Paterson asked Scott if he knew fellow actor Barry Keoghan, who was nominated for the best leading actor award for his performance in “Saltburn.” Scott confirmed that he knew Keoghan, but things quickly took a turn when Paterson asked about the naked dance scene in the film.
“OK, your reaction when you first saw the naked dance scene at the end of ‘Saltburn,'” Paterson prompted, as another person chimed in requesting “no spoilers please.” Scott chuckled and shook his head, refusing to give away any details. He simply stated that it was “great.”
But Paterson didn’t stop there. He continued with another uncomfortable question about prosthetics and how well Scott knew Keoghan. At this point, Scott smiled and stepped out of the camera shot, seemingly excusing himself from the conversation.
Critics were quick to condemn Paterson’s line of questioning, calling it “loaded with stigmatizing tropes” and “baffling.” Welsh actor Callum Scott Howells, who received a BAFTA nod in 2022 for his role in the queer historical drama “It’s a Sin,” expressed his disbelief on Twitter, referring to Paterson as someone who seemed like “my mate’s drunk dad at a party.”
Nicholas Pegg, another British actor who appeared in “It’s a Sin,” offered his solidarity to Scott and gay actors in general. He emphasized the importance of treating people with respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or profession.
The incident quickly gained attention on social media, with one clip of the exchange being viewed over 2.3 million times. Viewers expressed their outrage and disappointment in Paterson’s behavior, questioning why such inappropriate questions were asked in the first place.
The BBC has yet to comment on the incident, but the backlash serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible journalism and treating interview subjects with dignity and respect. Scott and Keoghan, both Irish actors, have not appeared in any films together, making Paterson’s questions even more puzzling.
Despite the uncomfortable encounter, Scott remains a highly respected actor in the industry. He was nominated for a Golden Globe earlier this year for his leading performance in “All Of Us Strangers,” a romantic fantasy film. Although he did not receive a BAFTA nomination this time, the movie itself garnered six nominations.
Ultimately, the incident at the BAFTAs highlights the need for journalists to approach interviews with sensitivity and professionalism. It serves as a reminder that actors, regardless of their sexual orientation or background, deserve to be treated with respect and dignity on the red carpet and beyond.