Journalist blasted over disgusting question to Andrew Scott about Barry Keoghan’s nude scene in 'Saltburn'

Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: A red carpet interview took an awkward turn at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) on Sunday night, February 18, when a TV journalist posed an inappropriate question about a full frontal nude scene to openly gay Irish actor Andrew Scott.

Scott appeared visibly uncomfortable and eventually fled the conversation, but not before the exchange went viral online. Viewers harshly criticized the journalist for fixating on a graphic scene featuring the exposed genitals of Barry Keoghan, as per New York Post.

BBC reporter Colin Paterson's awkward exchange at BAFTAs with Andrew Scott goes viral

The controversial incident occurred when Colin Paterson, an arts and entertainment correspondent for BBC, stopped Scott on the BAFTAs red carpet to ask him a few questions.

After asking Scott if he knew Keoghan, and receiving confirmation that he did, Paterson referred to an infamous nude scene featuring Keoghan’s genitals in the 2023 film 'Saltburn.'

"Your reaction when you first saw the naked dance scene at the end," Paterson said to Scott. A visibly uncomfortable Scott shook his head and struggled to come up with an appropriate response. "I won’t spoil it for anybody," he finally replied.

Undeterred, Paterson continued probing, saying "There was a lot of talk about prosthetics. How well do you know him?" At this point, Scott laughed nervously and quickly walked away from the interview. "Too much?" Paterson asked jokingly as Scott made his escape.

The cringeworthy exchange, occurring live on camera, quickly went viral online after being shared across social media platforms.

During the scene in question, Keoghan’s penis is fully visible as he dances nude in a mansion. Keoghan confirmed in December of 2023 that he did not use a body double or prosthetics for the scene, stating "It totally felt right. It was fun."

"It’s ownership. This is my place," Keoghan said at the time, referencing the scene’s meaning. "I can strip to my barest and waltz around because this is mine." Director Emerald Fennell also gave insight into the iconic scene, claiming they shot 11 takes of the full-frontal moment.

Internet erupts with criticism at Colin Paterson for inappropriate questioning style

The awkward exchange swiftly spread across social media, with Paterson facing a barrage of criticism for his inappropriate questioning style. "Whoever is employing this 'interviewer'…fire them now please," demanded one X user.

Another user lamented, "Why can't interviewers be normal." A third user expressed bewilderment, stating, "What a weird interviewer…?!" Meanwhile, someone else weighed in on the peculiar choices made by the BBC, remarking, "So cringe. The BBC hires such weirdos."

"What kind of question is that…" questioned a fifth user. Expressing discomfort with the entire encounter, a sixth user pondered, "Why is he asking him? interviewers are always so icky."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.