Idris Elba continues to be a gem of a man. Idris Elba was promoting the latest season of Luther, perhaps his signature role, by giving an interview to the Times. The interview is paywalled, and I’ve waiting to see if any outlet would publish additional quotes from the piece, but they haven’t. Instead, this one quote from Idris has gone viral – Idris was asked if it was difficult for him, as a man, to navigate Hollywood in the era of Me Too. His answer is great.
Idris Elba had the perfect answer to a question he was asked recently about the #MeToo movement. The actor is currently promoting the upcoming fifth season of his hit BBC TV series, Luther, which is out January 2019.
But Elba explained that he doesn’t think that navigating Hollywood as a man is any harder than before the movement.
“It’s only difficult if you are a man with something to hide.”
Just one sentence and Idris became a hero. It’s just a reminder of how few men really stood up for women in the Me Too era, and how many of them had sh-t to hide, or went out of their way to protect abusers. If Sean Penn or Matt Damon had gotten this question, we would have gotten a 500-word diatribe on how women are liars and how there are levels to sexual abuse and some abusers should be allowed to stay in Hollywood.
And if that’s not enough, Idris’s ex-girlfriend K. Michelle spoke this week about how Idris is really great in bed, and he’s… um, very “giving.” The man loves to go downtown.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
He is totally 100% correct. I love Luther and am sad it is not going to have anymore seasons.
Good news! It’s back for another series on New Year’s Day, in the UK at least :):):)
Could he be any more perfect?
No he couldn’t. Idris for King of the World!
TMI. No need to know that. Sometimes things are better left to the imagination.
Well it’s definitely being left to the imagination after that TMI tidbit.
😂😂😂
I know!!!!
But I am sure he will not be turned down for dates any time soon. 🤣
It’s literally as simple as that. But the fact that sooo many men in Hollywood feel scared tells us all we need to know about THEM. If you have nothing to hide there’s nothing to fear. Him stating this so succinctly when so many other men obsfuscate or make excuses makes me love him even more. As for the other thing…is anyone surprised by this? Cuz’ I’m not. 😏
Not just hw. Mention it to any group of males and some will start getting defensive. It’s everywhere and it is really simple: you don’t feel comfortable coz you know your behavior isn’t acceptable. Btw i got in a huuuuge fight over Ronaldo. Of course the other side said’ he can have any gurl he wants… I hate that expression, no one can have anyone.
Cosign. No one can “have” anyone. There’s this thing called “agency” which means the GIRLS can say NO!!!
sigh
Good for him. It’s a very simple answer. Plus, I think it’s only a select few in Hollywood and crazies outside of Hollywood stretching the #metoo movement outside of what it was intended.
this is exactly what my hubby said to people (ie: usually other men) who complain about MeToo – it’s a perfect answer
It’s that simple. I’ve been leery of the knee jerk reactions of men when it comes to MeToo, like some get real defensive. That to me says a lot.
It’s a pretty good interview. Elba is cagy, and Polly Vernon is trying the thing that Taffy Brodesser-Akner does so well of inserting herself into the interview and becoming meta, but she doesn’t do it as well as Taffy does. But there are some good quotes:
“Likeability is what I homed in on very quickly, when I started to meet casting directors. When you’re a DJ, you meet a lot of people. People like DJs because they’re always friendly; if they’re not friendly, people don’t like ’em. You are the entertainment. I would use that confidence to walk into rooms. Whether I got the job or not, I would make an impression: ‘Hey, I’m an open guy. I’ll speak to you; I’ll take notes; I’ll take your criticism and keep it moving …’ Casting directors trusted that.”
And here’s a lengthy one, but it’s a good one:
Maybe his perceived handsomeness speaks about evolving attitudes towards race. Elba considers this possibility.
“Going back, the kind of place the Spot [a London ’90s bar they were discussing] was, if I saw you and you saw me, in that environment, which was very culturally integrated, you’re a very good-looking person … I’d have gone, ‘All right!’ Or you might have found me … And to us, coming from that environment, it was a sexy bar, and it was sexy because it was culturally liberated. It was good-looking people, different races, having a good time. But then, if I go to Newcastle, maybe I’m not … I don’t know whether they think I’m attractive up there. Because I don’t look like the guys who are considered beautiful there. I went to America, and it was very much, I was a good-looking actor, but only to black women. And recently – but only recently – other races have gone, ‘Oh. He’s very attractive.’”
Might how much Idris Elba is fancied, and by whom, be considered a metric on racial inclusivity?
“Maybe,” he says. He smiles properly at me for the first time since we were introduced.
YES! Finally! A simple and perfect response, served with a side of hotness.
He’s perfection. Can’t wait for new Luthers!
And that’s all that men ever needed to say. If a man is dodgey about it, he’s guilty of something.
Heart, mind, ovaries ALL EXPLODED
…and panties flying in all directions…. LOL
Idris should come to Canada!! Everyone I know, men and women enjoy watching Luther and what Idris says is so right. Very thoughtful, witty and astute observations.
MIC. DROP. Take note, other men.
It’s like, you think you can’t love anyone more and then …
Exactly how i feel. I already thought a lot of Idris, and he’s my #1 celeb crush, but now i have an immense amount more respect for him. I’ve actually wondered why men have not answered that question with exactly that response. And I’m just so glad that Idris is the one who finally answered that question with the proper reply! Love him so much.
I am so glad he said this. It’s true, and a lot of other men need to hear it.
Love him more than ever. Truly deserves the sexiest man alive title!
Great answer. But I loathe that particular question (without knowing the context, admittedly, of how it was asked). But asking famous men, “Is it harder for you now to navigate through Hollywood?” is just cringe-inducing.
I love him and he’s right. If you’re not a creep, then you have nothing to worry about.
He’ll always be Stringer Bell in my mind. Just like Michael B. Jordan will always be Wallace. The Wire was just so damn good. It ended 15 years ago and I still can’t stop thinking about it.