The recent interview with After the Hunt stars has stirred up more controversy than anyone expected.
Italian journalist Federica Polidoro faced intense criticism after a segment on Italy’s ArtsLife TV featuring Ayo Edebiri, Julia Roberts, and Andrew Garfield appeared to sideline the Emmy-winning actress on crucial topics like Black Lives Matter and #MeToo.
Edebiri, 29, alongside Hollywood veterans Julia Roberts, 57, and Andrew Garfield, 42, joined Polidoro for the televised discussion.
However, viewers quickly noticed a glaring pattern: many of the questions on race and gender were directed to Roberts and Garfield, while Edebiri was noticeably excluded.
Edebiri Left Out of Key Questions
At one point during the interview, Polidoro explicitly skipped over Edebiri, even when it was clear she had a relevant perspective to share.
Despite several opportunities to redirect the questions, the journalist maintained her focus on the other stars.
The omission did not go unnoticed, drawing swift backlash online.
Roberts even quipped mid-interview, “Can you repeat that? With your sunglasses on I can’t tell which of us you’re talking to,” highlighting the awkward dynamic on screen.
Eventually, Edebiri did respond to one question, showing grace under pressure despite the repeated disregard.
Social Media Reacts to the Controversy
As clips of the interview circulated online, the response was immediate and passionate.
On Reddit’s r/FauxMoi thread, users were quick to call out Polidoro’s conduct.
One comment read, “Why would you ask a man about the MeToo movement but purposefully exclude a woman? WHY would you ask Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield about Black Lives Matter but exclude Ayo Edebiri?”
Some viewers called the behavior blatantly racist.
One user wrote, “So blatant too, to an A-list celebrity in front of cameras and an audience … the f***ing cheek … Ayo’s truly better than me because wtf was that question.”
Others praised Garfield’s response, noting his body language as he shifted to let Roberts and Edebiri answer.
Polidoro Responds to Criticism
In a post to her 19,100 Instagram followers, Polidoro defended herself, saying she had been subjected to cyberbullying following the interview.
She wrote, “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.”
Polidoro emphasized that her professional conduct had been appropriate and that the focus on how she phrased questions overshadowed the contributions of the stars themselves.
“All the contributions from those present were reported in full in the published interview, without any omissions,” she insisted.
Denying Racism and Upholding Journalistic Integrity
Addressing accusations of racism, Polidoro highlighted her personal and professional background.
She pointed out her multi-ethnic, feminist, and immigrant family roots and her decades of experience interviewing people of diverse backgrounds.
She said, “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.”
Polidoro also made clear that journalism requires asking difficult questions responsibly and with respect.
She concluded by warning against online attacks, stating, “I will not tolerate or accept defamatory or violent language, and I reserve the right to seek legal protection against those who … have chosen to hide behind the digital mob to insult and attack me instead of seeking a civil and constructive discussion.”