‘Social media has become a scolding machine’: David Baddiel defends Hugh Grant over Oscars interview

Comedian said actor, who gave very short, deadpan answers to model Ashley Graham, was just being ‘real’

David Baddiel has weighed in after Hugh Grant was called out on social media for what some called “obnoxious” behaviour on the Oscars red carpet.

The actor, known for his dry sense of humour, was interviewed by model Ashley Graham, at the ceremony last night (12 March).

Graham did not seem prepared for Grant’s very short answers to questions about the Knives Out franchise and what he was wearing to the event.

Posting on Twitter on Monday 13 March, comedian Baddiel wrote: “Those on here having a go at Hugh Grant for being rude on the Oscars red carpet have perhaps mixed up the word rude with the word real.”

He added: “Those piling on to him reveal, again, how much social media has become a scolding machine.

“All Grant does is respond naturally to the questions, but the opportunity is seen to tell him off, and therefore to say, underneath ‘I am a better person than this’ and pat they come.”

In the comments below the post, some pointed out that Grant is often unenthusiastic on red carpets, even for his own films.

Others also shared a clip of The Cure’s Robert Smith’s blunt response to an interviewer at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.

“Congratulations The Cure – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees 2019! Are you as excited as I am?!” the interviewer had asked.

“By the sounds of it, no,” came his typically deadpan reply.

Read all the talking points from the night here and the full winners list here.