Italian Reporter Faces Backlash Over BLM Question Directed Only to White Actors at Venice Film Festival

Ayo Edebiri, star of the film "After the Hunt," faced exclusion during a Venice Film Festival press event when Italian journalist Federica Polidoro directed a question about the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements only to her white co-stars, Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield. Edebiri pointed out the exclusion, asserting that the movements are far from over and emphasizing the ongoing work by activists, despite less mainstream coverage. Both Roberts and Garfield agreed that the movements remain active and important. The incident sparked widespread online backlash against Polidoro, who later defended herself amid accusations of racism and insensitivity. Critics highlighted Edebiri's gracious response despite the apparent slight, while supporters condemned the journalist's approach as dismissive and divisive. This controversy underscores ongoing tensions about race, representation, and media coverage of social justice movements.