Idris Elba recently ignited a social media firestorm after he told Esquire UK that he stopped describing himself as a black actor. During his interview, he spoke about the limitations that being defined by your race can have on your career.
Now, the star is addressing the backlash over his polarizing comments. He says it’s hard for celebrities to have an opinion, but he’s not going to let the noise distort his thoughts.
Idris Elba: ‘It’s very hard for celebrities to have an opinion’
The actor has experienced some highs and lows in the last few weeks. The latest being the release of his latest film Luther: The Fallen Sun which is set to hit Netflix on March 10.
Elba has always been a proud British actor who has graced the silver screen with accolades as varied as The Wire, The Office and Thor: Love and Thunder. He’s also a keen social justice aficionado and a vocal advocate for the rights of black actors.
In fact, his Twitter page is filled with witty comments from fellow black stars like John Boyega and Damson Idris.
Among his favorite entertainment interests are the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Fast & Furious, and Star Trek, to mention a few. Notably, he has a deep admiration for Black films like Black Panther, Ant-Man and The Wasp, as well as the latest installment of Jurassic Park.
In a recent interview with The Guardian, the actor has shared more than just the usual spiel about his career. He has also taken the opportunity to reflect on his etiquette and what it’s like to be an African-American in Hollywood.
Idris Elba: ‘I don’t want to be defined by my race’
After sparking a backlash online for not calling himself a black actor, Idris Elba has now addressed the issue. Taking to Twitter, the actor explained that he doesn’t want to be defined by his race.
The British actor sparked a lot of online chatter after he told Esquire UK that he stopped using the term “black actor” because it limited his career. Despite his comments, the star has received a slew of criticism from fans and fellow actors alike.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Elba’s statement sparked a debate around the race issue in Hollywood. Several people called out the actor for his views, and some even accused him of participating in racism by being a lone spokesman against it.
Whether you believe that racism is a bad thing, or whether you think that it should only be treated as a societal problem, it’s clear that the racialist worldview is deeply embedded in our society. It’s a worldview that is simplistic, regressive and stifling.
Idris Elba: ‘It’s time to stop obsessing over race’
Idris Elba, a highly accomplished Hollywood actor known for his roles in major hits like ‘The Wire’ and ‘Thor,’ is expressing his weariness with the way he’s often confined and stereotyped due to his race, even at the age of 50.
He says that we are obsessed with race, which he believes can limit individual aspirations and create unnecessary divides in society. And while he accepts racism is real, he says that it’s only as powerful as you allow it to be.
The actor recently sparked an online backlash after saying that he stopped calling himself a black actor as it was restricting his career. But Elba now says he wants to clear up his comments.
He also added that it is time to stop obsessing over race. He believes that people should be able to express their opinions without worrying about whether it is offensive or not. Fortunately, his fellow stars have come to his defense. Among them are John Boyega and Damson Idris.
Idris Elba: ‘It’s time to stop pigeonholing actors’
Amid the buzz around his new movie Luther: The Fallen Sun, which hits Netflix on March 10, Idris Elba has taken to social media to share more about his career and how he thinks about race. The actor has starred in high-profile films like The Wire and The Office, as well as television shows such as The Blacklist, and the latest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor: Love and Thunder.
The multi-tasking actor is no stranger to controversy. In February, he caused an online storm when he said he had stopped calling himself a “black actor” because it “limited” his career. His comments prompted a number of fellow actors to take the high ground in defense of Elba. Now, in a new piece published by The Guardian, he’s taking a more measured approach to the whole matter. The Guardian has released an interview with the British actor in which he shares his thoughts on what it’s like to be a black man in a world where racial bias is a given.