A new report reveals that British author, Anthony Horowitz, has realized how off he sounded when suggesting that Idris Elba was "too street" for playing the part of James Bond.

Horowitz, who has penned the most recent Bond novel, Trigger Mortis (Sept. 8), not only apologized for his comments but clarified that he didn't mean it in an offensive way. He had previously said Elba was no the man for the job in an interview with The Daily Mail.

"For me, Idris Elba is a bit too rough to play the part. It's not a color issue. I think he is probably a bit too 'street' for Bond. Is it a question of being suave? Yeah."

Horowitz had also stated that he thought Hustle actor, Adrian Lester, who is also black, would make for a better fit, while saying that, "Idris Elba is a terrific actor, but I can think of other black actors who would do it better."

After this interview Horowitz came under attack on social media for suggesting that Elba was "too street." The British author finally issued an apology via Twitter and realized how he might have come off sounding very offensive even though he did not intend it. It seems like Elba's portrayal of John Luther in Luther was so convincing that Horowitz forgot that Elba was not Luther.

"I'm really sorry my comments about Idris Elba have caused offense. 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 offense."

Tags
James bond, Idris elba, 007