A Italian journalists are speaking after facing strong criticism for their viral interviews with Ayo Edabiri, Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield. In an interview filmed for ArtsLife TV on 5 September, reporter Federica Polidoro asked Roberts and Garfield a question about #MeToo and Black Lives Matter Movement in Hollywood. Edebiri, who was sitting with him, was not included in this question, which many audiences accused the journalist of ignoring him.
Viral exchange
Poolidoro asked Roberts and Garfield: “Now that #MeToo Era and Black Live Matter Movement is done, what do we have to expect in Hollywood?”
His words surprised the three actors. Roberts quickly replied, “This hasn’t been done.” Garfield agreed, and Edabiri said, “I don’t think it has been done at all. The hashtag cannot be used, but still important work is still being done every day.”
Edabiri’s thoughtful response went viral online, with fans clearly praised him for addressing the issue. But many people questioned why he was left out of question in the first place, especially since he is both black and smaller than his co-stars.
Polyidoro response
On 8 September, the Poleidoro posted a statement on Instagram stating that he has been targeted with cyberbulling since personal insults, racism allegations and the spread of the clip.
He explained that his question was only for Roberts and Garfield, but he published full answers from the three actors in his interview.
“I think it is striking that, instead of focusing on the thoughtful reactions of Ayo Adebiri, Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield, the discussion is only about how I explained the question,” she wrote.
ALSO READ: Ayo Edebiri Metoo, Black Lives Matter Ques Julia Roberts, replies after being out of Andrew Garfield
Defense of his work
Poolidoro said that it has worked with international publications for 20 years and comes from a multi-ethnic, feminist family with history of immigration.
He said, “The real racists are those who see racism everywhere and try to silence journalism,” she said she could take legal action against those who attacked her online.
The interview was part of the press tour after The Hunt, with a drama starring Roberts, Garfield and Edabiri. The film examines subjects related to the #MeToo movement and will be released in theaters on 17 October.
questions to ask
1. Why did the interview of Ayo Edabiri go viral?
It went viral after the reporter was out of a question on #MeToo and BLM, and Edabiri gave a powerful reaction.
2. What did Federica Polidoro say about Baiklash?
He said that he faced online attacks, denied racism, and defended his right to ask difficult questions.
3. What is “after hunting”?
It is a drama starring Edabiri, Roberts and Garfield, which discovers subjects bound by the #MeToo movement.
