Actress Ayo Edebiri spoke out regarding the reaction to her answer during a viral interview question about the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements, while promoting her new film, After the Hunt. The 29-year-old addressed the topic on Friday at a press conference for the Luca Guadagnino-directed film held at the New York Film Festival.
During the event, Edebiri was asked if she had seen how audiences had responded to the question when it circulated online and whether she had anything further to add beyond her initial reply. She admitted,
“I think I’m like less online than I used to be — yeah, clap for peace of mind — so I didn’t really, to be completely honest,”
and added with a laugh,
“And I love to lie! I make money on it!”
She went on to explain,
“I didn’t really pay too much attention, but I mean, it was just a very human moment. And I think, in a strange way, uncomfortable conversation, that’s kind of one of the many things our film is about. So shout out to Italians, I don’t know.”
Context of the Controversial Question at Venice Film Festival
The initial viral moment occurred earlier this month at the Venice Film Festival, where Edebiri and her After the Hunt co-stars Andrew Garfield and Julia Roberts were asked a divisive question by Italian journalist Federica Polidoro. The query focused on the aftermath of the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements in Hollywood, specifically questioning what had been lost during the politically correct era and what to expect once these movements concluded.
Polidoro asked,
“What have we lost in the politically correct era, and what we have to expect in Hollywood after the #MeToo movement and the Black Lives Matter are done?”
This question produced a mix of awkward and confused reactions from the actors.
Edebiri responded cautiously,
“I know that that’s not for me, and I don’t know if it’s purposeful if it’s not for me… [but] I don’t think it’s done,”
emphasizing,
“I don’t think it’s done at all.”
She acknowledged ongoing efforts, stating,
“Hashtags might not be used as much 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 active for a reason because this world’s really charged. And that work isn’t finished at all.”
Garfield agreed with her assessment, affirming that both movements “are still absolutely alive.” Edebiri further clarified,
“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 it means that the work is done. That’s what I would say.”
Public Reaction and Debate Over Questioning Approach
Edebiri’s measured and sincere remarks were praised across social media platforms, with many viewers criticizing the decision to exclude her from the question initially, suggesting that she deserved equal opportunity to respond. The dialogue ignited a broader conversation around race, activism, and representation in Hollywood.
In response to the criticism she faced, Federica Polidoro issued a statement on Instagram addressing the backlash as personal attacks directed at her. She said,
“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 also expressed concern that the public was fixated on debating her wording rather than focusing on the answers provided, 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. 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.”
She did not explain her reasoning for initially directing the question away from Edebiri nor did she offer an apology for the interaction’s awkwardness. Polidoro added,
“To date, I am not aware of any protocol that dictates the order in which questions must be asked in an interview.”
Uncomfortable Themes Explored in After the Hunt
During the New York Film Festival, Edebiri highlighted that After the Hunt confronts difficult and provocative issues, mirroring the discomfort seen in the interview. The film tells the story of Yale philosophy professor Alma Olsson, played by Julia Roberts, who is challenged when her student Maggie, portrayed by Edebiri, accuses Alma’s close friend and colleague Henri Gibson (Andrew Garfield) of sexual assault.
This accusation forces Alma to confront a painful secret from her own past. Alongside Roberts, Garfield, and Edebiri, the cast also includes Michael Stuhlbarg and Chloë Sevigny. The film’s narrative revolves around ethical dilemmas and deeply unsettled emotions, echoing the complex social conversations surrounding the #MeToo movement.
Release and Upcoming Screenings
After the Hunt premiered at the New York Film Festival and is scheduled to open in theaters nationwide on October 10. Given the film’s intense subject matter and its release amid ongoing debates over activism and accountability in Hollywood, it is poised to spark further discussion within both the industry and the public.
https://twitter.com/EdEddNReady/status/1964180240843825303
“idk if it’s purposeful that it’s not for me” purposefully leaving out a black actress when asking two white people about the blm movement and general activism is of extreme bad taste and everyone in the room knew, their body language says it all. ayo handled that with extreme – https://t.co/Tnt4Eia9Eo
— sofia (@thomslvey) September 6, 2025
