Idris Elba’s “black actor” backlash is not slowing down the “Beast” star as he fires back. Instead, he has released another explanation backing up his reasoning and slamming critics. A world of trolls is not enough to stop the British actor from speaking his mind. In a refreshingly honest interview, the “Beast” actor opined that the world is obsessed with race.
He went on about how the description “black actor” chains him to a box, adding that he no longer identifies with such a title. The 50-year-old told Esquire UK:
“I stopped describing myself as a Black actor when I realized it put me in a box. We’ve got to grow. We’ve got to. Our skin is no more than that: it’s just skin. Rant over.”
Elba revealed that his reason for becoming an actor was a burning passion and desire to contribute his talent to the craft. As he aged, he realized that the label “first black” to achieve any feat was less impressive to him because it was supposed to be the same for any race.
So rather than being the first black (like Viola Davis, who is now the third black with EGOT), he wants to be the first Idris Elba. For him, this should motivate any child of any race to want to become something by looking at his life, not his color.
But this stirred criticism from fans and celebrities who have witnessed racism firsthand. John Boyega, from “Woman is King,” disagreed. Even after Idris Elba’s “black actor” backlash, he has continued to project his concept and, via his recent tweet, emphasized he would retain his stance.
There isn't a soul on this earth that can question whether I consider myself a BLACK MAN or not. Being an 'actor' is a profession, like being an 'architect' ,they are not defined by race. However, If YOU define your work by your race, that is your Perogative. Ah lie?
— Idris Elba (@idriselba) February 11, 2023
Idris Elba’s “Black Actor” Backlash Forces Him To Fire Back
Idris Elba’s “black actor” backlash was not taken lightly by the “Luther” star. Over the weekend, The 50-year-old went on Twitter to back up his initial claim. He explained that being black is not an arguable concept for him as he considers himself a “BLACK MAN.”
However, he preferred to separate his craft and his race. Idris Elba fires back, claiming that being an actor is a profession and should not be muddled up. In concluding the tweet, he maintained anybody could be anything. In his words:
“However, If YOU define your work by your race, that is your Perogative (sic). Ah lie?”
Meanwhile, fans are getting ready to see Elba in his element in his new film “The Fallen Sun.” It is set to debut on March 10. This is an adaptation of the investigative drama “Luther,” starring the actor as a detective, where he secured eleven Emmy nominations.