Idris Elba has hit back after facing mass criticism last month for revealing that he no longer describes himself as a ‘black actor’.

The Luther star, 50, who is of Ghanaian and Sierra Leone Creole heritage, sparked a social media backlash when he detailed how he thought the ‘black actor’ label put him in a ‘box’, and that an ‘obsession’ with race can hinder aspirations and growth.

He told Esquire: ‘We’ve got to grow. We’ve got to. Our skin is no more than that: it’s just skin. Rant over.’

He added: ”Racism is very real. But from my perspective, it’s only as powerful as you allow it to be.

Now the actor has doubled down on his remarks in a new interview with the Guardian, slamming fans who accused him of ‘denying his blackness’ with his controversial comments.

He said: ‘Me saying I don’t like to call myself a Black actor is my prerogative. That’s me, not you. So for you to turn around and say to me, I’m “denying my Blackness”.

‘On what grounds? Did you hear that? Where am I denying it? And what for? It’s just stupid. Whatever.’

[I like the cut of his jib! ~ Beege]