Hugh Grant hit the carpet before the presentation at the Oscars on Sunday, and one of his interviews went viral online – with viewers divided. Grant’s brief exchange with ABC carpet model Ashley Graham was criticized by some social media users, while others didn’t think it was rude.
Asked if he was excited to see any or hoping for any winners, Grant said he hadn’t. When asked who was wearing it, Grant replied, “just my suit.”
Asked if it was fun filming The Glass Onion, a mystery directed by Rian Johnson, in which Grant makes a cameo, he said: “I barely got into it. “I joined him for three seconds.” A few celebrities like themselves make cameos in the whodunit.
Graham said he still had fun making the movie. “Almost,” he replied.
But what pleased some viewers was Grant’s quick turn away from Graham and raised eyebrows. The clip was shared several times on Instagram and Twitter.
“The Oscar for the guy who doesn’t want to be there goes to Hugh Grant,” tech analyst Lance Ulanoff wrote.
“Hugh Grant didn’t bat an eye at Ashley Graham. It was hard to watch,” podcaster Amanda Hirsch wrote on her @notskinnybutnotfat Instagram account, which shares pop culture information.
While some commentators sympathized with Graham, others felt that he should have prepared a variety of questions for the actor, while others did not find the interview awkward or rude.
British writer Natasha Devon thought there might be a difference between how Americans and Brits view interviews. “Americans think he’s rude, and Brits know he’s not fake.” he tweeted.
BBC writer and broadcaster Matthew Sweet called Grant “brilliant”. “Hugh Grant is great here. I interviewed him once and asked him a reasonable question and he said, ‘Look, you know I’m doing this for the money.'” he tweeted.
“Hugh Grant Gives A Master Class In Apathy”, tweeted public relations specialist James Melville.
Others found it rude rather than indifferent. “Hugh Grant was very rude to this reporter. If you can’t be polite, say no to the interview.” tweeted media personality Kate Bevan.
“I don’t understand Hugh Grant. If you don’t want to be interviewed, don’t pick up the microphone, smile politely and walk away. Respect. @ashleygraham for repeatedly trying to get something interesting out of him” tweeted diversity advocate April Rein.
Graham posted plenty of selfies with the stars on the carpet — Grant was notably absent. Neither star has spoken publicly about their viral interview.
Caitlin O’Kane
