Samuel L Jackson attempts to clarify 'black British actors' remarks at Kong premiere

‘Kong: Skull Island’ star Samuel L Jackson has responded to criticisms regarding his recent comments that suggested he thought black British actors shouldn’t be cast as African-Americans in Hollywood movies, suggesting black American actors aren’t “afforded the same luxury” in the UK.

Speaking to the Associated Press at the film’s glitzy premiere last night Jackson said: “I don’t know if I was misunderstood, I mean I say things… I just tend to talk.”

“I enjoy watching them, British actors coming here, I enjoy their work, I enjoy working with them, and I have the opportunity to do that. So it was not a slam against them, it was a comment about how Hollywood works in an interesting sort of way sometimes.”

In an interview with US radio station HOT 97 earlier this week, Jackson questioned whether British star Daniel Kaluuya was the best man for the lead role in hit horror film ‘Get Out’. The film highlights racial tensions in America, pointing a spotlight on white America’s attitude towards interracial relationships.

“I know the young brother who’s in the movie, and he’s British,” Jackson said. “I tend to wonder what that movie would have been with an American brother who really feels that.”

‘Star Wars: The Forcen Awakens’ star John Boyega appeared to respond to the topic on Twitter, saying: “Black brits vs African American. A stupid ass conflict we don’t have time for.”

At last night’s premiere, Jackson said he feels like people are missing the point he was trying to make.

“When I speak about actors from the UK coming to America to work, I understand they have a greater facility for doing that, number 1 because they can come here and adapt US accents and they work very well, and they work very hard, and they’re very common to work with.”

“We’re not afforded that same luxury, but that’s fine. We have plenty of opportunities to work. And for them to come here, it gives them a greater platform and a greater opportunity to succeed, and hopefully go home and create opportunities for their countrymen.”

‘Kong: Skull Island’ arrives in UK cinemas today.

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