Idris Elba Says Racist Films, TV Shows Should Come With A Warning

Idris Elba feels that racist films and television shows should come with a “warning.”

Speaking in an interview with Radio Times, the 47-year-old actor said that films and TV shows with racist content should not be removed or “pulled” from the streaming platforms to allow the freedom of speech. However, viewers must be warned that the thing they are about to see is “not suitable” for all.

The “Luther” star also revealed he is a believer of freedom of speech, but he knows that it has limitations. He also shared that pulling the racist content from the platforms is not the solution because viewers should know that there are people who make content like that.

''I'm very much a believer in freedom of speech. But the thing about freedom of speech is that it's not suitable for everybody. That's why we have a rating system. We tell you that this particular content is rated U, PG, 15, 18. To mock the truth, you have to know the truth. But to censor racist themes within a show, to pull it - wait a second, I think viewers should know that people made shows like this,” Elba told the publication.

Later in the interview, the “Thor” actor suggested that viewers should definitely get to know what they are watching and what they are “getting into.” He also made it clear that he is not a supporter of “censorship” and believes that people should be allowed to say what they want to say.

''Out of respect for the time and the movement, commissioners and archive-holders pulling things they think are exceptionally tone-deaf at this time - fair enough and good for you. But I think, moving forward, people should know that freedom of speech is accepted, but the audience should know what they're getting into. I don't believe in censorship. I believe that we should be allowed to say what we want to say. Because, after all, we're story-makers,” Radio Times quoted Elba, as saying.

The esteemed actor’s comments come after streaming services like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video removed several episodes of shows like “Scrubs” and “30 Rock” that featured blackface. Elba’s words also come after talk show hosts Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel issued apologies for wearing blackface during the initial phase of their professional careers.

Meanwhile, on the profession front, Elba will be next seen in James Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad.” The cast also includes Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Viola Davis, John Cena, and Alice Braga in pivotal roles.

The film is scheduled to hit theaters on Aug. 6, 2021.