BBC diversity chief: Luther isn't "authentic" enough because "he doesn't have Black friends"

ET Canada

BBC diversity chief Miranda Wayland has generated controversy with her comment that Idris Elba's DCI John Luther “doesn’t have any Black friends, he doesn’t eat any Caribbean food, this doesn’t feel authentic." She made her remarks while explaining the BBC's diversity and inclusion strategy during the digital MIPTV conference this week. “It’s great having those big landmark shows with those key characters, but it’s about making sure everything around them, their environment, their culture, the set is absolutely reflective,” she said. “It will be very much about how can we make sure that this program is authentic in terms of the storytelling.” Some Luther fans questioned Wayland's comments on Twitter, questioning why Luther would need to fulfill Black stereotypes to be considered diverse.