Former 007's 'Racist' Comments Spark Social Media Backlash
Former James Bond star, Roger Moore, has found himself in hot water following an interview he gave to French magazine, Paris Match.
The 87-year-old, who portrayed Bond in seven movies from 1973 to 1985, is reported to have said that actor Idris Elba could not play 007 because he is not "English-English".
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Idris has been tipped to step into Bond's shoes in the long-running franchise when Daniel Craig steps down.
Moore commented that "Although James may have been played by a Scot, a Welshman and an Irishman, I think he should be 'English-English'.
"Nevertheless it's an interesting idea... but unrealistic."
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He also says: "A few years ago, I said that Cuba Gooding Jr would make an excellent Bond, but it was a joke!"
The remarks led to a social media backlash with Twitter commenters accusing Moore of being racist and being quick to point out that Elba was born and bred in England.
So Idris Elba shouldn't be the next James Bond because he's not English English? I've never heard such nonesense #rogermoore #racism
— Steph Janine (@StephieJanine) March 28, 2015
Saw #RogerMoore trending & sadly thought he had passed but quickly learned he had instead shown the world he's just another racist cracker
— Charlie Peach (@PoliticsPeach) March 28, 2015
According to Roger Moore @idriselba isn't 'English English' enough to be Bond. Elba was born and bred in the East End. Just say it Roger!!
— Laila Rouass (@lailarouass) March 28, 2015
I heard #RogerMoore was misquoted. I hope so because I think @idriselba would make a great 007. What do u think?
— Lennox Lewis (@LennoxLewis) March 28, 2015
Moore has since taken to Twitter to deny that he said anything racist, claiming the allegations were "simply untrue".
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
