Veteran actor Roger Moore has blamed a French magazine for embroiling him in a racism row after it reported his comments that Idris Elba can not play James Bond because he was not 'English-English ' enough . Sir Roger made the comments in an interview with French magazine Paris Match , although the former Bond star claimed his words had been 'lost in translation ' . The actor , who left Britain in 1978 and splits his time between Switzerland and Monaco said : 'An interview I gave to Paris Match implies I said something racist about Idris Elba . That is simply untrue . ' Scroll down for video . Roger Moore , pictured , claimed that he was misquoted when it was reported Idris Elba could not play 007 . Sir Roger Moore took to Twitter this morning to clarify the comments he had made to Paris Match magazine . Idris Elba , pictured , is the bookies favourite to play James Bond once Daniel Craig finishes with the role . Following the revelations , Sir Roger has faced strong criticism on Twitter over the suggestions . Sir Roger made the 'English-English ' comments , even though former Bonds Sean Connery , Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan were Scottish , Welsh and Irish . The 87-year-old actor , who is an ambassador for Unicef , starred in seven Bond movies between 1973 and 1985 . Sir Roger told Paris Match : ' A few years ago , I said that [ black actor ] Cuba Gooding Jnr would make an excellent Bond , but it was a joke ! ' replies Sir Roger , 87 , who starred in seven Bond movies between 1973 and 1985 . 'Although James may have been played by a Scot , a Welshman and an Irishman , I think he should be `` English-English '' , ' he continues . 'Nevertheless , it 's an interesting idea , but unrealistic . ' Reaction on social media has been overwhelmingly negative with Twitter users accusing Sir Roger of 'racism ' . Many commentators highlighted the fact that Elba was born and raised in the East End of London . Twitter users expressed their anger and disbelief over Sir Roger 's comments on Idris Elba . One person thought the ro . One user said Roger Moore 'is a bit racist ' over his controversial comments , . Elba is seen as the leading contender to play Bond once Daniel Craig holsters his Walther PPK for the last time . Bookmaker Paddy Power has Elba as the 7/4 favourite to be granted his Licence to Kill . Leaked Sony emails suggested that Elba was being considered for the role , while current Bond Daniel Craig as also said the Hackney-born actor is the only possible choice to replace him . Sean Connery , pictured , who was replaced as Bond by Roger Moore , played 007 with a Scottish accent . Timothy Dalton , left , who played James Bond during the 1980s after Moore was born in Wales . While Pierce Brosnan , right , pictured with Desmond Llewelyn , left , was born in the Irish Republic .
Twitter condemns Roger Moore over his 'racist ' comments on Idris Elba . The actor has been accused of making offensive remarks about the African American actor.