Author Anthony Horowitz Has Apologised For Suggesting Actor Idris Elba Is Too "Street" To Play The Next James Bond, Insisting He Did Not Intend To Cause Offence.
The writer, who has written a new James Bond book, made his comments about Elba - best known for his roles in TV dramas Luther and The Wire - to the Mail on Sunday after he was asked if he thought the actor would make a suitable future 007.
He said, "Idris Elba is a terrific actor, but I can think of other black actors who would do it better...
"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."
Following his comments, Horowitz was criticised for being "classless" and "racist," but the writer insists he chose his words clumsily.
In a statement on Twitter.com, he writes, "I'm really sorry my comments about Idris Elba have caused offence. That wasn't my intention. I was asked in my interview if Idris Elba would make a good James Bond... Clumsily, I chose the word street as Elba's gritty portrayal of DCI John Luther was in my mind but I admit it was a poor choice of word. I am mortified to have caused offence."
Elba, who is a fan favourite to take over from Daniel Craig and become the first black Bond, has yet to respond to Horowitz's comments.