Idris Elba responds to criticism after not calling himself a black actor

celebrities

by Jack Hobbs

March 5, 2023 | 9:48 a.m

Idris Elba responded to the backlash on Friday after an interview With Esquire UK Elba said he stopped calling himself a “black actor” because it limited his career.

The “Cats” rep said it’s “really hard” for celebrities to have a say according to a new interview with the Guardian. explaining that his lyrics were “overexamined, taken out of context” and “thrown into a sort of revolutionary social media argument, zeitgeist.”

“Saying I don’t like calling myself a black actor is my specialty. That’s me, not you,” said Elba, 50. So, for you to turn around and tell me, I “deny my blackness.” on what basis? did you hear this? Where am I denying it? And why? It’s just stupid. whatever.”

While speaking with Esquire, the “Luther” actor said, “As humans, we are obsessed with race. And that obsession can really get in the way of people’s aspirations and hinder their growth.”

Racism should definitely be a topic of discussion. Racism is very real. But from my point of view, it’s only as strong as it allows,” the actor continued. “I stopped describing myself as a black actor when I realized he put me in a box. We have to grow. we have to. Our skin is nothing more than that: it is just skin. The rant is over. “

The comments prompted many people to criticize Elba.

“He’s still black though. He can say he’s not a ‘black actor’ but that skin tone won’t change just because he said that. He can still be cast as any other black actor,” chirp One person.

“He’s not wrong lmao. Many Black and POC actors have spoken out about being cast into stereotypical roles because of their race,” chirp last.

“Star Wars” actor John Boyega has defended Elba.

“I think we should focus on who’s doing the typecasting and putting the actors in the boxes because of this. Not on making weird adaptations of them,” she said. chirp Boyega. “We’re constantly focused on what we need to do so they don’t do this or that. Very worrying. We’re black and that’s it.”

Elba also took to Twitter to explain himself further.

He wrote, “There is no soul on this earth that can question whether or not I consider myself a black man.” “Being an ‘actor’ is a profession, as is being an ‘architect.’ It’s not defined by race. However, if you define your work by your race, that’s your prerogative.”