Idris Elba Clarified His Comments After Saying He No Longer Calls Himself a “Black Actor”

Idris Elba Responds to Debate Over the Star Saying He No Longer Calls Himself a “Black Actor” https://t.co/W8HGYwkPEh

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 11, 2023

Idris Elba is addressing social media debate after saying he no longer describes himself as a Black actor because he found he was put “in a box.” On Twitter he clarified his recent viral remarks.

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

In an interview on Wednesday, he acknowledged that he considers himself a “member of the Black community” but also said he feels it’s more important for people to focus on their similarities than their differences.

“Racism is very real. But from my perspective, it’s only as powerful as you allow it to be. 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.”

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