Journalist speaks out after Ayo Edebiri answers 'uncomfortable' Black Lives Matter and #MeToo question directed at co-stars

An Italian reporter accused of 'racism' for neglecting Ayo Edebiri from question about the Black Lives Matter movement last week has defended her decision with a controversial statement.

Edebiri was joined by both Andrew Garfield and Julia Roberts at the Venice Film Festival at the time, with the trio promoting their latest project, psychological-thriller After The Hunt.

During one interaction, the group sat down with film and television journalist Federica Polidoro.

In footage that has since gone viral for all the wrong reasons, however, several minutes into the interview, and the reporter voiced a query about several political movements in America.

Directing her attention to Garfield and Roberts - both of whom are white - she asked what they 'expect in Hollywood after the MeToo movement and the Black Lives Matter are done'.

The trio appeared shocked by the question (ArtsLifeTV/YouTube)

How did Ayo Edebiri, Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield respond?

Seemingly shocked by the question, as well as the fact that Polidoro seems to outright exclude Edebiri - who herself is a multi award-winning Black actress - Roberts, 57, begins by asking the journalist to remove her sunglasses.

"Can you repeat that?" she asks, seemingly giving Poliodoro the chance to include Edebiri, 29, in the query. "With your sunglasses on I can't tell which of us you're talking to."

Garfield, 42, also appears confused by the question, turning directly to Edebiri and adding: "Umm... well...".

Despite the pair's attempt for the query to be redacted somewhat, Poliodoro persists, asking: "Now that the #MeToo era and the Black Lives Matter [movement] are done, what do we have to expect in Hollywood?"

She also goes on to elaborate, referring to 'what we lost ... with the politically correct era'.

What did Ayo Edebiri say?

Edebiri stepped in to answer the question (Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

Rightfully jumping in, The Bear's Edebiri responded to the reporter: "Yeah, I know that that's not for me, and I don't know if it's purposeful it's not for me, but I just am curious."

Adding of the two vital movements, she courageously went on to point out: "I don't think it's done. I don't think it's done at all."

Pretty Woman star Roberts then agreed: "It's not done."

"I think maybe hashtags might not be used as much," Edebiri continued. "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, because this world is really charged.

"And that work isn't finished at all."

The TV star went on to suggest: "Maybe there's not mainstream coverage in the way that there might have been, daily headlines in the way that it might have been eight or so years ago, but I don't think that it means that the work is done.

"That's what I would say."

Roberts and Garfield appeared confused as to why Edebiri had been neglected from the question (JB Lacroix/FilmMagic)

What has Federica Polidoro said since?

The journalist has since issued a statement following the backlash, which somewhat claps back at her critics.

Taking to Instagram on Saturday (7 Sept), Poliodoro began her lengthy message by claiming: "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."

The reporter went on to add: "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.

"All the contributions from those present were reported in full in the published interview, without any omissions."

Edebiri was promoting her new movie After The Hunt (Amazon MGM Studios/YouTube)

Standing her ground and refusing to apologise for the hotly-debated interaction, Poliodoro continued: "To date, I am not aware of any protocol that dictates the order in which questions must be asked in an interview.

"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 accusations of racial prejudice, Poliodoro professed to having 'interviewed people of every background and ethnicity', adding: "And my own family is multi‑ethnic, matriarchal, and feminist, with a significant history of immigration."

The journalist continued: "I have collaborated for over twenty years with numerous national and international publications of all political orientations, always approaching my work with openness and professional rigour.

"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."

Poliodoro has since issued a response (JB Lacroix/FilmMagic)

Defending her approach once again, Poliodoro went on to say: "Journalism's role is to ask questions — even on delicate topics — with respect and responsibility.

"I will not tolerate or accept defamatory or violent language, and I reserve the right to seek legal protection against those who, in recent days, have chosen to hide behind the digital mob to insult and attack me instead of seeking a civil and constructive discussion."