Sir Roger Moore is in a race row after he allegedly told French magazine Paris Match that Idris Elba is not “English English” enough to play James Bond. Does he realize that George Lazenby, Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan and Timothy Dalton aren’t “English-English” either?
Moore said his remarks were “lost in translation.” After being slammed on Twitter, he said, “An interview I gave to Paris Match implies that I said something racist about Idris Elba. That is simply untrue.” Yeah, Moore has been shaken and stirred on social media.
Daily Mail: Sir Roger told Paris Match: ‘A few years ago, I said that [black actor] Cuba Gooding Jnr would make an excellent Bond, but it was a joke!’ replies Sir Roger, 87, who starred in seven Bond movies between 1973 and 1985.
‘Although James may have been played by a Scot, a Welshman and an Irishman, I think he should be “English-English”,’ he continues.’Nevertheless, it’s an interesting idea, but unrealistic.’
Reaction on social media has been overwhelmingly negative with Twitter users accusing Sir Roger of ‘racism.’ Many commentators highlighted the fact that Elba was born and raised in the East End of London.
Here’s Roger Moore’s response to the “English English” comment:
An interview I gave to Paris Match implies I said something racist about Idris Elba. That is simply untrue. #Lost in translation.
— Sir Roger Moore (@sirrogermoore) March 28, 2015
Reaction on Twitter:
My only problem with what Roger Moore said is that he thought we wouldn't know what he meant. If he had just said "white" I'd be calm
— J. #TooUrstyyy (@TheOneBeforeK) March 28, 2015
Roger Moore needs to shut his stupid racist mouth.
— Oracle Albert (@OracleAlbert) March 28, 2015
You know Roger Moore, they once said a street tough Scotsman couldn't be James Bond, that worked out okay didn't it?
— Adam Spence (@AdamSpenceAU) March 28, 2015
Roger Moore is right, having a black guy play James Bond is like having a white guy play basketball! #RETWEET http://t.co/1q9ActUrfF
— Breaking Obama (@ObamaBreaking) March 28, 2015
Sean Connery. A Scot. The Bond after Roger Moore was George Lazenby. An Aussie. Pierce Brosnan is Irish.
— Natalie Lawrence (@IamNLawrence) March 28, 2015
Idris Elba article cross-posted from The Hinterland Gazette.