Did a reporter exclude ‘After the Hunt’ star Ayo Edebiri from a ‘Black Lives Matter’ question? Journalist Federica Polidoro responds to backlash

Italian film journalist and theorist Federica Polidoro excluded actress Ayo Edebiri from a question on 'Black Lives Matter' at the Venice International Film Festival.

Ayo joined her costars, Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield, to promote their upcoming film After The Hunt on Saturday, September 6.

During an interview with the three actors, Federica Polidoro presented a question about the #MeToo movement and Black Lives Matter, specifically directed at Andrew and Julia.

After The Hunt revolves around the themes of sexual assault allegations in academia. Concerning the subject, Federica asked:

"In your opinion, what we lost during the politically correct era, and when, what we have to expect in Hollywood after the Me Too movement and the Black Live [Lives] Matters [Matter] are done?"

As Andrew Garfield turned to look at Julia Roberts and Ayo Edebiri following the question, Federica specified:

"The two of you, Andrew and Julia."

As Ayo Edebiri was seemingly confused by the lack of addressal, Julia told the reporter to repeat her question and asked her to take off her sunglasses, adding:

"I can't tell which of us you're talking to."

Regardless, Federica reiterated:

"The question was for Julia and Andrew. Now that the Me Too era and the Black Live [Lives] Matters [Matter] are done, what we have to expect in Hollywood, and what we lost if we lost something with the politically correct era?"

Despite excluding Ayo Edebiri from the question that touches on 'Black Lives Matter', The Bear actress politely stepped in:

"Yeah, I know that that’s not for me, and I don’t know if it’s purposeful if it’s not me, but I just am curious."

"After The Hunt" stars Andrew Garfield, Julia Roberts, and Ayo Edebiri at a promotional tour with director Luca Guadagnino. (Image via Dominique Charriau/WireImage)

Answering Federica's question, Ayo said:

"I don't think it's done."

The Golden Globe-winning actress continued:

"I don't think it's done at all. I think maybe, hashtags might not be used as much or, 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 really active for a reason 'cause this world is really charged."

Ayo Edebiri explained that there might no longer be "daily headlines" by mainstream media on these movements, as there were some years ago, but that does not mean the cause is done for. Andrew Garfield resonated with her thought, adding that the movements are still "alive".

---

Italian reporter issues statement after being criticized for excluding Ayo Edebiri during interview

As the clip from Ayo Edebiri, Julia Roberts, and Andrew Garfield's interview with the Italian journalist, Federica Polidoro, circulated online, netizens reacted with criticism. They called Federica out for her apparent lack of professionalism and alleged racism.

Following the backlash, Federica Polidoro took to Instagram on Sunday, September 7, to issue a statement and accused netizens of "cyberbullying" her:

"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. 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."

Federica continued:

"I would like to clarify that, rather than focusing on the thoughtful responses of Ayo Edebiri, Julia Roberts, and Andrew Garfield, the discussion continues solely on how I should have phrased the question."

Federica said, despite how she framed her question, all three actors' answers were included "without any omissions" in the interview that was published. She claimed no protocol instructs interviewers on a chronological order that should be followed while asking questions. Federica added:

"Censoring or delegitimizing questions considered "uncomfortable" does not fall within the practice of democracy. Only the Journalists' Association is authorized to evaluate the work of professionals in the field, not social media tribunals."

Addressing the racism accusations, Federica Polidoro said:

"I would like to clarify that in my work I have interviewed people of every background and ethnicity, and my own family is multi-ethnic, matriarchal, and feminist, with a significant history of immigration."

Federica claimed to have maintained her career spanning over twenty years with "openness and professional rigor", irrespective of differences in political orientations. She wrote:

"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."

Federica Polidoro said she would not sit still against "defamatory or violent language". The journalist warned internet critics that she would take legal action against people who hid behind the "digital mob" to attack her instead of indulging in constructive criticism.