Idris Elba has enlisted his name among the handful of British actors who have become a leading force in Hollywood. Throughout his career, Idris Elba has been part of many critically acclaimed projects and some of the biggest franchises in Hollywood, including Marvel’s Thor and its sequels, DC’s The Suicide Squad, and a Fast and Furious spinoff.
But the actor has stirred up some controversy around his name with his recent comments about his ethnicity. And the actor ignited severe heat around him after expressing his thoughts on race and how he didn’t want it to define his legacy as an actor.
Idris Elba doesn’t want to identify himself as a black actor
Idris Elba has become a household name after starring in many successful movies and popular franchises over the years and has garnered immense love and support from fans for his immaculate acting skills. But the actor’s recent statement about his skin color has garnered a colossal backlash.
The Suicide Squad actor started a firestorm on the internet after he told Esquire UK, that he has stopped identifying himself as a Black actor as he didn’t want to limit himself in a box. The actor clarified that race shouldn’t play a factor in one’s profession and should be judged by their skills instead. The Thor: Love and Thunder actor later responded to the criticisms by stating,
“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 prerogative. Ah, lie?”
Following his statements, many fans have come forward in support of The Suicide Squad actor, including the Stars Wars actor John Boyega, who too shared his support for the actor.
Twitter lambasts Idris Elba over his recent comments
Even though many have shared their support for the actor, Twitter hasn’t shied away from lambasting Elba for his controversial remarks. Netizens have shared their resentment over Elba’s recent statements about his race and have called out the actor for it.
Apart from the backlash, many have agreed with Idris Elba’s viewpoint on the matter and believe that race shouldn’t play any factor in one’s success in any profession. And even though the actor has garnered a heap of criticisms after his statement, fans have been coming forward in defense of the actor against the backlash.
Source: Esquire UK
