Roger Moore denies making 'racist comments' about Idris Elba

Idris Elba in 2014. (Right). Roger Moore in 2012. (Reuters)

Roger Moore has come under fire for some comments he allegedly made to Paris Match magazine in which he scoffed at the idea of Idris Elba playing James Bond.

When asked for his opinion on rumors that a black actor would portray Bond, the 87-year-old actor reportedly said, “A few years ago, I said that Cuba Gooding Jr. would make an excellent Bond, but it was a joke!”

"Although James may have been played by a Scot, a Welshman and an Irishman, I think he should be 'English-English'," he continued. "Nevertheless, it's an interesting idea, but unrealistic."

Irate fans lashed out at Moore on social media, incensed by the description that London-born Elba was not “English-English.”

Moore who portrayed super-spy Bond in seven films took to Twitter to defend himself and claims that his comments were mistranslated.

“An interview I gave to Paris Match implies I said something racist about Idris Elba,” he tweeted Saturday. “That is simply untrue. #Lost in translation."

Ex-Sony Pictures exec Amy Pascal revealed in leaked emails that she was interested in the “Luther” star for the iconic role. Elba responded to the rumors on social media, writing, “Isn’t 007 supposed to be handsome?” he joked. “Glad you think I’ve got a shot!”

During a 2014 Reddit AMA chat, the 42-year-old actor admitted that he would love to portray Bond if the part was offered.