Racism is an international issue, and one Black British actor is calling attention to it.
Actor Noel Clarke sparked a discussion about racism in Britain's film industry.
Clarke is BAFTA winning actor, and is known for a recurring role on the hit show Doctor Who and for creating Kidulthood, a popular movie trilogy. Despite his numerous successes and impressive resume, Clarke is still apparently struggling to get respect as a Black actor and creator.
Clarke took to Twitter to talk about his latest show that he co-created and stars in, Bulletproof.
#BULLETPROOF is now Sky One's Biggest Returning Drama! with 6 (5.77) MILLION downloads since the launch of Season2. Including over 1 Million downloads of Season 1. It also had a Million+ 7 day views of episode 1. THANK U to all of you that support us. WE'LL BE BACK@skytv @nowtv pic.twitter.com/HnqK5rxLp7
— Noel Clarke (@NoelClarke) April 6, 2020
Bulletproof is the Biggest Returning Drama on the network Sky One. Clarke thanked fans of the show for helping it become successful, but also addressed the struggles of getting the show on the air.
Clarke tweeted about the "prevalent" racism in Britain's entertainment industry and society.
People on here acting like this is just a US problem. #Racism is prevalent here too. Embedded in the fabric of society, the industry I'm in. Sometimes it's hard to keep fighting, when whenever you speak up, your silenced or, labelled as aggressive, difficult or "Chippy"
— Noel Clarke (@NoelClarke) May 29, 2020
He explained no one expected Bulletproof to be a success because it had two black leads.
Just remember nobody wanted bulletproof, we were told #Bulletproof would never work or sell with two BLACK leads. NEVER. Look now.
— Noel Clarke (@NoelClarke) May 29, 2020
Fans expressed disappointment that anyone could have doubted Bulletproof, especially based on the race of the cast.
That's mad! You're selling "British Bad Boys TV show" and people said that wouldn't work?
Some people have no vision. You deserve every success, it's a great show.
— Kevin Loquacious (@talkstoooomuch) May 29, 2020
That's ridiculous at any time let alone in this day and age. You are both superb actors and in my opinion both well established before #bulletproof Very sad and angry you were told this, but so glad you persevered. It's one of the best shows I've seen in recent times. 👍
— Danny Morgan (@Dmorg1) May 29, 2020
Unbelievable - I absolutely love the series and you guys. Colour shouldn't even be a thing now in 2020 and yet it persists and pervades society.
— Matt Smith (@matt1752) May 30, 2020
Bulletproof is the best show on the TV.. me and my husband laughed until we cried. Shouldn't matter what race, religion or sexual orientation you are 'if you got it you got it' and believe me you got it!!!!! 😀😀
— Tierney Kidman (@Tiern20) May 29, 2020
Clarke further backed up his point by sharing the poster for a movie he starred in last year, Fisherman's Friends.
And I'll just leave this here.
And not one of these other actors spoke up for me and the fact I was not on here, being as well known as most of them. pic.twitter.com/z3t3rXPBNy
— Noel Clarke (@NoelClarke) May 29, 2020
Clarke's name is listed alongside his co-stars on the poster. Yet, he is the only one not to be pictured among the six other leads.
He even pointed out the spaces in the poster where he could have been pictured.
@NoelClarke/Twitter
He lamented that none of his co-stars spoke out for him, and that he was just as famous and involved as the rest of them, so there was no logical reason to exclude his image.
His fans agreed that the snub was inexcusable and nonsensical.
It's insane. They put your name on the poster and heavily feature you in the trailer. So they know you're a draw
— Martyn Havell (@BadWilf) May 29, 2020
You're the most well known of that cast. By a light year.
— tristan ofield (@TristanOfield) May 29, 2020
Purely from a design side you'd have balanced the layout and pushed blimey more central! Unbelievable.
— HappyToast ★ (@IamHappyToast) May 29, 2020
This absolutely blows my mind! If your names at the top you should be on the front
— Adam J Woodward (@AJ_Woodward1) May 30, 2020
You are literally the most familiar face in this line up. What the hell?
— Gina Martin is staying indoors indefinitely (@ginamartinuk) May 29, 2020
His fans also felt that his absence probably had to do with race.
This is...well, I don't actually have words for how disgraceful this is. At some point in the next few months I'll be teaching lessons about representation in cinema; with your permission, I'd like to use this example. It's pretty conclusive.
— DeeanaViolet (@DeeanaViolet) May 29, 2020
This is disgusting @NoelClarke. As a mother of an actor of colour I see this, unfortunately, far to frequently. #racism #truth
— Natasha Jacobs (@natashaj1977) May 29, 2020
Unacceptable. Sorry this is still happening ! We in society have so so much more work to do to fight the racism and inequality.
— Adam Morley (@Adammorley7) May 29, 2020
this is horrific noel I'm so sorry. by leaving you out they're sending a very clear, very awful message
— elizabeth 🏳️🌈 | black lives matter (@thasminpotts) May 29, 2020
Clarke's tweets were sparked by a cop murdering George Floyd, an African American man, in the United States, and the consequent protests against racism that are taking place across the globe. Celebrities of all backgrounds, such as singer Billie Eilish and British actor John Boyega, have also started discussing racism on social media.