BBC apologises after reporter is accused of homophobia for asking Andrew Scott about Barry Keoghan’s penis size: ‘We accept this question was misjudged’

The BBC has apologized for a ‘misjudged’ red carpet interview with Andrew Scott in which he was questioned about fellow actor Barry Keoghan’s genitals.

The actor, 47, was interviewed by BBC entertainment correspondent Colin Paterson at the BAFTA Film Awards about his film All Of Us Strangers, starring Paul Mescal.

Paterson then moved on to discussing other Irish actors, which led to him bringing up Barry Keoghan’s much-discussed performance in Saltburn.

Andrew was left red-faced when asked about his ‘initial reaction’ to Barry’s naked dance scene at the end of the film.

Visibly uncomfortable, the Fleabag star responded awkwardly: “I won’t ruin it for anyone. It was amazing,” before shaking off the question.

The actor, 47, was interviewed by BBC entertainment correspondent Colin Paterson, who asked him about Barry’s famous nude scene in Saltburn.

Laughing nervously, Andrew couldn’t escape the series of questions as Paterson continued to chase him – this time going one step further by asking him for his thoughts on Barry’s prosthetic penis.

The BBC presenter began laying the groundwork for his next question by saying: “There was a lot of talk about prosthetics,” as Andrew looked increasingly irritated.

Trying to figure out how accurate the prosthetic was in its resemblance to Barry’s actual genitals, Paterson asks, “How well do you know him?”

The star muttered, “I don’t know,” with an awkward smile before walking away from the interview.

It dawns on Paterson that he may have crossed a line and continued to wonder “too much?” as Andrew turned around.

The interview was criticized by viewers who felt the interrogation was homophobic because Andrew was gay.

The BBC released a statement in response to the criticism, saying the questioning was “light-hearted” and not intended to offend.

They said: ‘Saltburn is a film that has had a cultural impact, with Barry Keoghan’s scene at the end in particular receiving a lot of attention – something the actor himself has addressed.

The Fleabag star was left red-faced when asked about his ‘initial reaction’ to Barry’s naked dance scene at the end of the thriller

The star muttered, “I don’t know,” with an awkward smile before walking away from the interview

“Our question to Andrew Scott was intended as a light-hearted reflection on the discussion on the ground and was not intended to cause offence.”

The broadcaster said Saltburn director Emerald Fennell and Sophie Ellis-Bextor – whose hit Murder On The Dancefloor plays during the final scene – also received similar questioning.

They added: ‘However, we accept that the specific question asked of Andrew Scott was misjudged.

“After speaking with Andrew on the carpet, our on-air reporter acknowledged that his questioning may have gone too far and that he was sorry if this was the case.”

Barry stunned fans when he went completely naked in a graphic scene dancing around a country house on Murder On The Dancefloor, as his character Oliver Quick celebrates securing the Catton fortune and Saltburn estate after murdering countless people.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the star admitted that he doesn’t use prosthetics and didn’t hesitate when Emerald Fennell asked him to bare all.

He said: “The premiere was quite interesting. I got a lot of calls the next day from, oh, I don’t know… happy customers.”

Released on November 17, Saltburn centers on Oliver, an Oxford scholarship student, and his crush on his upperclassman friend Felix (played by Jacob Elordi).

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Barry admitted that he doesn’t use prosthetics and didn’t hesitate when director Emerald Fennell asked him to bare all.

When describing the film’s nude final scene, Barry joked that it was “property,” adding that it was an expression of “I can do whatever I want in this mansion.” I can strip down to my nakedest and waltz around because this is mine.”

With its fair share of controversial scenes, Saltburn has been the film on the tip of many tongues in recent weeks

Oliver struggles to fit in with the super-rich crowd studying at the elite university, but Felix soon takes him under his wing.

The sought-after Felix eventually invites Oliver to stay at his illustrious mansion in Saltburn for the summer, ushering in a season of eccentricity, partying and chaos – as well as an obsession from the latter to the former.

Speaking to TMZ, the star waxed lyrical about baring it all in the film, joking that he “can’t listen” to the Sophie Ellis-Bextor song as he’s “just starting to undress.”