*At a press junket for Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming film “After The Hunt,” Ayo Edebiri responded thoughtfully to a question that sparked discomfort among her co-stars, Andrew Garfield and Julia Roberts.
A reporter from ArtsLife, Federica Polidoro, asked, “In your opinion, what we lost during the politically correct era and what we have to expect in Hollywood after the #MeToo movement and Black Lives Matter are done?” She directed the question explicitly to Garfield and Roberts, prompting visible unease from the trio.
The question’s framing led to an awkward moment, with Roberts seeking clarification, saying, “With your sunglasses on, I can’t tell which of us you’re talking to.” Polidoro reiterated her question confidently, maintaining it was for Garfield and Roberts. Edebiri, undeterred, interjected with a composed yet pointed response.
“I know that that’s not for me, and I don’t know if it’s purposeful that it’s not for me. But I just am curious,” Edebiri said, glancing at Andrew and Julia. She emphasized that the work of movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter remains ongoing, stating, “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.”
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Edebiri further noted that activism persists “because this world is really charged,” even if media coverage has waned. “Maybe if there’s, like, not mainstream coverage in the way that there might’ve been, daily headlines in the way that it might’ve been eight or so years ago…but I don’t think that it means that the work is done,” she concluded. Her response earned widespread praise online for its clarity and grace.
Meanwhile, Polidoro faced significant backlash for her question. In an Instagram statement reported by E! News, she defended herself, saying, “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.” She added, “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.”
Polidoro expressed frustration that the focus remained on her question’s phrasing rather than the actors’ responses, stating, “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.”
Watch the awkward moment below.
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