BBC reporter criticised for ‘inappropriate’ questions directed at Andrew Scott on Baftas red carpet

The interaction has sparked a backlash online, with several viewers expressing their disappointment with the interview's tone
Lisa McLoughlin 19 February 2024
The Weekender

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Fans have rushed to Andrew Scott's defence after he faced uncomfortable questioning on the Baftas red carpet.

Scott, 47, joined his All Of Us Strangers co-star Paul Mescal for the ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall, though the film failed to convert any of six nominations into a win.

However, prior to the ceremony, a clip of Scott's interaction with BBC's Colin Paterson circulated online, quickly drawing backlash.

In the clip, the journalist asked Scott about Barry Keoghan's nude dance sequence in Saltburn, which visibly unsettled him.

“Can I ask your reaction when you first saw the naked dance scene at the end of Saltburn?” Paterson asked. To which Scott bashfully replied: “I won’t spoil it for anyone. It’s great, it’s great.”

Despite the Sherlock star appearing embarrassed at the topic, the interviewer continued: “There was a lot of talk about prosthetics. How well do you know him?”

Scott looked visibly uncomfortable about the line of questioning
BBC

At this, Scott shook his head again as Paterson asked: “Too much?” before the star waved away the question and moved down the red carpet.

The interaction has sparked a backlash online, with several viewers expressing their disappointment with the interview's tone and for making Scott appear to feel uncomfortable.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one wrote: “This is frankly disgusting. Andrew Scott is there to support his multiple nominated film and THIS is what you ask?

“Then when he looks visibly uncomfortable the guy carried on. Truly horrid.”

2024 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards
Keoghan pictured at the event
REUTERS

A second questioned: “Ask him about All Of Us Strangers the Bafta-nominated film he is in… ‘How well do you know Barry’ Andrew deserves an apology from the BBC.”

“Shameful interview,” a viewer commented. “Andrew Scott is so graceful.”

A fourth asked: “I assume he asked all the actors on the red carpet about ‘Barry’s’ naked scene??”

However, Scott wasn't the only celebrity approached about Keoghan's birthday suit dance, as Sophie Ellis-Bextor also fielded questions from Paterson about the scene on the red carpet.

BBC declined to comment when contacted by The Standard.

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