Anthony Horowitz, the decorated British author who sparked criticism with his remarks that Idris Elba is "too street" to play James Bond, tweeted an apology Tuesday, saying he was "mortifed" that his comments had caused offense.
Horowitz said Elba's "gritty" performance as a Detective Chief Inspector in BBC series Luther as the inspiration behind his remarks. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire last year and was chosen by the Ian Fleming estate to write Trigger Mortis, the latest in the series of James Bond books.
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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
In an interview with the Daily Mail centered on the book's release, Horowitz said he didn't think Elba was right for the part.
"Idris Elba is a terrific actor, but I can think of other black actors who would do it better," he said, suggesting Adrian Lester as one candidate.
"For me, Idris Elba is a bit too rough to play the part. It’s not a colour issue. I think he is probably a bit too 'street' for Bond. Is it a question of being suave? Yeah."
As Elba has long been championed on the Internet as the perfect candidate for the role, Horowitz's comments ignited outrage.
Like, saying Idris Elba isn't suave suggests you don't know what suave means. Or who Idris Elba is. Or maybe both.— Linda Holmes (@nprmonkeysee) September 1, 2015
The irony of #AnthonyHorowitz saying Idris Elba was "too street" is that in virtually every magazine spread he's in a suit or tux.— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) September 1, 2015
Is "street" the UK's version of "urban" in terms of coded racism? Idris Elba is a lot of things, but "street" ain't one of 'em.— Jamilah Lemieux (@JamilahLemieux) September 1, 2015
According to Elba himself, the rumors of him possibly stepping into 007's shoes originated from current Bond actor Daniel Craig.
"Daniel Craig actually set the rumor off. About four years ago he said Idris Elba would be a great Bond and then it started to creep," he said earlier this year.
"I blame Daniel," he joked.
Though he thinks that "the rumor is really starting to eat itself," it wouldn't stop him from jumping at the chance it if was offered.
During a Reddit AMA, he answered a fan's question as to whether or not he would take on the role by saying, "Yes, if it was offered to me, absolutely."
Isn't 007 supposed to handsome? Glad you think I've got a shot! Happy New year people. pic.twitter.com/3g9lAl2Uo3— Idris Elba (@idriselba) December 27, 2014