September 2, 2015
James Bond Writer Apologizes After Idris Elba ‘Too Street’ Comment
Anthony Horowitz, author of the James Bond series novel “Trigger Mortis,†due Sept. 8, faced a Twitter storm of criticism recently after making comments about actor Idris Elba and his qualifications to play James Bond on film. After receiving backlash, according to reports, he apologized via Twitter.
In a Daily Mail Interview published Sunday, Horowitz, was asked about actors who could take over the role from the current Bond, Daniel Craig. His response: “For me, Idris Elba is a bit too rough to play the part. It’s not a color issue. I think he is probably a bit too ‘street’ for Bond. Is it a question of being suave? Yeah.â€
I’m really sorry my comments about Idris Elba have caused offence [full statement attached] pic.twitter.com/UD6ouA45Uv
– Anthony Horowitz (@AnthonyHorowitz) September 1, 2015
Though the actor being a true contender for the role has remained fodder of speculation and rumor, fans of the actor as well as other critics of Horowitz’s remarks took to social to show support to the actor and denounce the comments:
Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Idris Elba in anything other than a perfectly tailored suit. Can’t get more #007 than that… #foh
– ♈̷̴Adamma♈̷̴ (@sweet_mandlo) September 2, 2015
Is calling #IdrisElba “too street” a thinly veiled way of saying “too black?” http://t.co/IjLVfvs9hs pic.twitter.com/DRYI8mFtqb
– HuffPost BlackVoices (@blackvoices) September 2, 2015
No, Idris Elba Is Not Too ‘Street’ for James Bond http://t.co/pAgRcMcqPt pic.twitter.com/Z0RwfSwNsN
– The Daily Beast (@thedailybeast) September 2, 2015
“Street”? Sir, do you even know the definition of suave? #IdrisElba http://t.co/vcJ8TxqNZ1 pic.twitter.com/q3Fa1Bd9dD
– Jawbreaker (@jawbreakernyc) September 2, 2015
“It’s not about race, you’re just too rough,” a white person says to Idris Elba, a man born in a three-piece suit.
– Patrick Lucas Austin (@patbits) September 1, 2015