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Andi Peters tells Piers Morgan ‘I’m the only black person here’ after Baftas diversity row on GMB
GOOD Morning Britain's Andi Peters today called out a lack of diversity on television as he told hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid he was "the only person of colour standing in this studio".
It comes after Joaquin Phoenix took aim at Bafta bosses last night as he accepted the best actor award for Joker, slamming the movie industry's "systemic racism" during his winning speech.
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Piers, Susanna and Andi discussed the fallout that saw Prince William raise his concerns during his speech at the ceremony, with Piers asking Andi what could be done to resolve the problem.
Piers, 54, said: "This whole issue of diversity at the Baftas, which is also going to hit the Oscars, so, for years now Bafta have been announcing 'we're going to be more diverse'... the movie industry is more diverse.
"And yet the award nominations come out for Bafta, all 20 acting awards are for white people. And on the director front, not a single woman. Where is the diversity and, because it's not there, what is going wrong?"
As the camera panned to Andi, 49, he replied: "I think fundamentally there aren't enough people of colour working in our industry. That's a fact. Am I, or am I not the only person of colour standing in this studio right now.
"Yep. I am. So there just aren't enough people working in this industry to then be nominated based on their talent."
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Andi continued: "If I am a role model to anyone who is watching I want to say, 'you can do it'. I have been working in this industry for 30 years. I may not have my own show in a primetime slot but I have been on telly for 30 years.
"I remember I was being black on television when there was only me, Trevor McDonald and Lenny Henry."
Piers and Susanna agreed and were amazed Andi had worked in showbiz for three decades - yet still looks so young.
Andi quipped: "Black don't crack" and gave viewers a thumbs up.
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The conversation arose after Bafta President Prince William addressed the lack of diversity at the awards during the final award of the night yesterday.
The royal, who has been in the role for a decade, said the bash needed to “do more” on diversity.
The Sun first told of his private fury on Saturday and revealed he would be using his intro to the Fellowship gong to make his mark.
He said: “Both here in the UK and across many countries in the world we are lucky to have incredible film makers, actors, producers, directors and technicians.
Joaquin's 'systemic racism' rap at bosses
JOAQUIN Phoenix took aim at Bafta bosses after bagging the Leading Actor award for Joker.
He criticised the organisation for a lack of diversity in the awards.
In the four main categories, there was no person of colour nominated, which he said was due to “systemic racism”.
He said: “I feel honoured and privileged to be here tonight.
"Baftas have always been supportive of my career and I am deeply appreciative.
“But I have to say I also feel conflicted because so many of my fellow actors that are deserving don’t have the same privilege.
"I think that we send a very clear message to people of colour that you are not welcome here.
“I think that is the message we are sending to people who have contributed so much to our medium and our industry and in ways that we benefit from.”
“Men and women from all background and ethnicities, enriching our lives through film.
“Yet in 2020 and not for the first time in the last few years we find ourselves talking again about the need to do more to ensure diversity in the sector and in the awards process.
“That simply cannot be right in this day and age.
"I know that both Pippa, chair of Bafta, and Amanda, Bafta CEO, share that frustration and continue to work tirelessly to ensure that creative talent is discovered and supported.”
Joaquin Phoenix wins best Leading Actor for The Joker at 73rd British Academy Film Awards
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We told on Saturday how William had expressed his frustration at the lack of Black, Asian and minority ethnic talent in the top four acting categories.
Critics have also slammed Bafta for its all-male Best Director nominees.
William — attending the awards with wife Kate for the fourth year in a row added: “Bafta take this issue seriously and following this year’s nominations, have launched a full and thorough review of the entire awards process to build on their existing work and ensure opportunities are available to everyone.”
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