UPDATE: Anthony Horowitz is trying to walk back his offensive statements about Idris Elba as James Bond. "I'm really sorry my comments about Idris Elba have caused offence," Horowitz responded to the backlash in a statement. "That wasn't my intention. I was asked in my interview if Idris Elba would make a good James Bond. In the article I expressed the opinion that to my mind Adrian Lester would be a better choice but I'm a writer not a casting director so what do I know?

"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 offence."

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The ongoing rally to have Idris Elba fill the role of the iconic James Bond reached new heights this year, but despite the collective public approval, 007 author Anthony Horowitz isn't here for the idea. While speaking with UK newspaper the Daily Mail, he even took it a bit further, essentially saying that Elba is too Black for the role.

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"Idris Elba is a terrific actor, but I can think of other Black actors who would do it better," he said. "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."

Aside from the highly insulting stereotype of referring to the actor as "street," is it just us, or is Elba not the definition of suave? As for who fits Horowitz's bill for the role, he said African-English actorAdrian Lester from the BBC series Hustle would be a much better choice. Nonetheless, Horowitz's coded language is clearly problematic. What do you think?

Watch Idris Elba coyly talk about his sex symbol status in the BET.com video below:

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