Actor Idris Elba has hit out at censorship surrounding historic television content.
The Luther star, 47, believes that broadcasting bosses should give programmes a rating based on their “insulting viewpoints” rather than completely pulling them.
His comments come after shows such as Little Britain came under fire for using blackface in sketches have been pulled from Netflix, BBC iPlayer and BritBox following the recent Black Lives Matter movement.
Speaking to Radio Times, Idris said: “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.”
Idris believes that shows should have a rating system rather than be pulled off air (Image: PA)
Choosing not to refer to an individual programme he continued: “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.”
He went on 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.”
The actor claimed that entertainment bosses should be entitled to freedom of speech (Image: PA)
The In The Long Run star added that he doesn’t believe shows should be censored as actors and writers should be given the freedom to say what they want.
In recent weeks the Beeb has also removed Come Fly With Me and Little Britain starring David Walliams and Matt Lucas, claiming that “times have changed”.
Meanwhile, All 4 have also pulled Keith Lemon’s Bo Selecta after the Celebrity Juice frontman issued a tearful apology.
His comments come after Little Britain was pulled for using blackface in sketches
The show saw Lemon whose real name is Leigh Francis, 47, impersonate black celebrities such as television legend Trisha Goddard, Spice GirlMel B, singer Craig David and Michael Jackson.
In an emotional Instagram post, Lemon said: “Following recent events, I’ve done a lot of talking and learning and I would like to put this out there.
“I want to apologise to anyone that was offended by Bo’selecta. I’m on a constant journey of knowledge and just wanted to say I’m deeply sorry. #blacklivesmatter.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
