Idris Elba responds to backlash after refusing to call himself a ‘Black actor’

During an interview with Esquire UK, the British actor revealed he no longer identifies as a "Black actor" because it limited his opportunities and explained that the obsession with race can hinder people's aspirations and growth. "Racism is very real. But from my perspective, it's only as powerful as you allow it to be. I stopped describing myself as a Black actor when I realized it put me in a box. We've got to grow. We've got to. Our skin is no more than that: It's just skin. Rant over."