Sir Roger Moore, who played James Bond in seven films during the 70s and 80s, denies saying anything racist when asked if he thought Idris Elba would make a good Bond.

Roger Moore ‘Racist’ On Idris Elba?

“A few years ago, I said that Cuba Gooding Jr. would make an excellent Bond, but it was a joke! Although James may have been played by a Scot, a Welshman and an Irishman, I think he should be English-English,” Moore told Paris Match when asked about Elba’s Bond potential, according to the Daily Mail.

“Nevertheless, it’s an interesting idea, but unrealistic,” Moore reportedly added.

With the implication that Elba, who was born in London just like Moore, wasn’t “English-English,” Moore received ample backlash on Twitter.

This is nothing worse than an old racist…to live 70 plus years with all of that hatred in your heart….#rogermoore

— Corey B. King (@coreybking) March 28, 2015

Saw ‘Roger Moore’ trending and got sad at the thought he had passed. Instead, he’s just turned into a racist old man. — Martin Bean (@martinbean) March 28, 2015

If you’re not ready for a non-White James Bond, say that. This isn’t about nationality or ethnicity. It’s about race. Period.

— Ebony Elizabeth (@Ebonyteach) March 28, 2015

Christian Bale can play a REAL Pharoahe, but @idriselba can’t play a FICTIONAL James Bond? #RogerMoore — Lennox Lewis (@LennoxLewis) March 28, 2015

Idris Elba shouldn’t be Bond b/c he’s not “English English,” says Roger Moore, who’s played both the founder of Rome and the king of France.

— Eric Allen Hatch (@ericallenhatch) March 28, 2015

In response to the backlash, Moore took to Twitter himself to claim that there was a misunderstanding. “An interview I gave to Paris Match implies I said something racist about Idris Elba. That is simply untrue. #Lost in translation,” he tweeted.

An interview I gave to Paris Match implies I said something racist about Idris Elba. That is simply untrue. #Lost in translation. — Sir Roger Moore (@sirrogermoore) March 28, 2015

With Daniel Craig suggesting that he’s ready to move on from playing the super spy, Elba has emerged as a favorite to take on the job. Elba has said that he’d be honored to play the iconic role and has even received former Bond Pierce Brosnan‘s blessing.