Idris Elba responded to the reaction on Friday after an interview With Esquire UK Where Alba said he stopped describing himself as a “black actor” because it limited his career.
The “Cats” actor said it’s “really hard” for celebrities to have an opinion, according to a new interview With The Guardian. Explaining that his words were “excessively scrutinized, taken out of context” and “thrown into some kind of bullsh*t, zeitgeist social media argument.”
“I have the right to say that I don’t like to call myself a black actor. It’s me, not you,” Alba, 50, said. On what basis? Have you heard that? Where am I denying? And for what? This is just stupid. Whatever.”
Speaking to Esquire, the “Luthor” actor said, “As human beings, we’re obsessed with race. And that obsession can actually hinder people’s aspirations, hinder people’s growth.”
“Racism should be a topic of discussion, sure. Racism is very real. But from my perspective, it’s only as powerful as you let it be,” the actor continued. “I stopped describing myself as a black actor when I realized it put me in a box. We have to grow. We got it. Our skin is not more than that: it is just skin. Shout out.”
The comments prompted many to condemn Alba.
“He’s still black though. He can say that he is not a “black actor” but the color of the skin is not changing because he says so. He can still be cast like every other black actor. tweeted a person
“He’s not wrong lmao. Many black and POC actors have spoken out about being typecast in stereotypical roles because of their race,” tweeted more
“Star Wars” actor John Boyega came to Alba’s defense.
“I think we should address who is typecasting and putting actors in boxes. Not on making awkward adjustments for them,’ tweeted will sow “We constantly focus on what we have to do so they don’t. Very worrying. We’re black and that’s it. “
Alba also took to Twitter to explain herself further.
“There is not a soul on this earth who can question whether or not I consider myself a black man,” he wrote. “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.
