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Movie star Idris Elba recently spoke about his career, ethnic background, and experience in the industry as a Black man, during an interview with Esquire UK. The controversial comments had mixed reactions on Twitter, including a clapback from fellow Black-British actor John Boyega.

In his interview, Elba admitted that when it comes to race, there is still a huge gap, especially in the entertainment industry; despite this, the Luther star believes that he should be judged by the content of his iconic characters and not the colour of his skin. Adding that he feels limited by the “Black actor” title weighing over a role because there is a whole lot of excess baggage that comes with the tag.

“I didn’t become an actor because I didn’t see Black people doing it and I wanted to change that.

Elba says he does not want his race to define his career and legacy, and of course is not denying his blackness with the comments. He claims to love England, but emphasised how his culture  came from his Ghanaian mother and Sierra Leonean father. Although London born, he finds himself embodying characteristics from his parents’ heritage.

“I didn’t become an actor because I didn’t see Black people doing it and I wanted to change that. I did it because I thought that’s a great profession and I could do a good job at it. As you get up the ladder, you get asked what it’s like to be the first Black to do this or that. Well, it’s the same as it would be if I were white. It’s the first time for me. I don’t want to be the first Black. I’m the first Idris,” he said.

Fellow actor, John boyega was seemingly unhappy with Idris’ comments, and replied:

Idris has released another tweet, which indirectly addressed the criticism:

Residents, what are your thoughts on the whole fiasco?