Idris Elba’s Juneteenth Shirt Sparks Controversy, He Deletes It & Responds: When Your Own People Weren’t W/ It

Idris Elba’s Juneteenth Shirt Sparks Controversy, He Deletes It & Responds: When Your Own People Weren’t W/ It

Idris Elba celebrated Juneteenth with a controversial shirt that garnered lots of backlash on social media.

Originating in Texas, the special day, June 19th, is on its way to being a national holiday in several states.

Idris Elba joined the festivities by wearing his own Juneteenth shirt, which read, “take my art, culture, fashion, science, music” but crosses out life. Many users on social media were not happy with the t-shirt, and have been criticizing the actor on the outfit choice.

We don’t need them taking sht idris https://t.co/FAmAhbCHKk

— HOOD VOGUE is tired of poverty (@itskeyon) June 19, 2020

Idris I think this is what your shirt meant to say pic.twitter.com/lE0ivBS3e9

— J (@MARINIBOYJAY) June 19, 2020

Idris there is still ample time left to delete this https://t.co/YxGg9RpKmR

— sessh?maru (@earth2solo) June 19, 2020

idris…baby… sugar pumpkin… dumpling noodle… sweetie patootie… pic.twitter.com/sONfTPE0ep

— jaye zee. ? (@shspooked) June 19, 2020

Idris. This ain't it, bruv. https://t.co/5GZGAVjlcB

— D.J. | BLACK LIVES MATTER (@OhHeyDJ) June 19, 2020

Covid got that part of Idris’ brain that regulates common sense. #Sadderday

— April (@ReignOfApril) June 19, 2020

me defending black culture from non black people after idris elba told them to come take it ….. pic.twitter.com/1e0AC77upg

— Strange Fruit. (@moonIightstarz) June 19, 2020

Not Idris Elba choosing Juneteenth to be the day he disappoints us, these celebs know no bounds pic.twitter.com/h0kvaZFky2

— Tristin B. Brown, Esq. (@mstrilliviapope) June 19, 2020

me looking away from this idris elba mess pic.twitter.com/4O1S1drPjJ

— tired black girl (@bitchspice97) June 19, 2020

Idris Elba said white peoples can steal whatever, just please don’t kill us pic.twitter.com/wQlhJXAlse

— Wenger, I’m sorry (@iii_am_mee) June 19, 2020

Since then, Idris Elba has deleted the shirt. He shared a photo of a black t-shirt with the words “Deleted” and added the cryptic caption,

“When your own people weren’t with it.”

He also defended himself when a critic said he doesn’t “understand” because he’s a “black Brit.”

He wrote,

“My grandpa was born in Kansas City and fought for America. Peace and love.”

What are your thoughts on Idris Elba’s Juneteenth t-shirt? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.