Idris Elba reacts to 'frustrating' claims of plagiarism, intimidation

The 'Luther' actor took to social media to shoot down 'frustrating' claims of plagiarism, intimidation from female writers. In a lengthy post Idris describes the origin of his new play 'Tree' and how it progressed.

New York: Idris Elba has taken to social media to rebut claims by two writers who worked on his new play 'Tree' that they were "pushed off," amid "intimidation and disrespect."

Writing on website Medium, Tori Allen-Martin and Sarah Henley say that despite working on the theatre production for four years, they were not credited for their work.

British star Elba posted a lengthy response on July 4, in which he describes the origin of the project and how it progressed.

He states the duo were acknowledged in the foreward of the play's programme, adding they left the production willingly as it took a new direction.

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"Tori and Sarah decided they didn't want to pursue the early thoughts and declined to work any further on the project. This is not uncommon in the development process," he writes.

"They expressed their reasoning and we respected their decision. We were left without any writers and hard to start work very quickly."

"We wanted to offer an opportunity to support these new writers while creating a piece of work of scale and to a directors vision," he adds.

"The outcome is an accusation of plagiarism and discrimination. However frustrating this has been for all, we will continue to offer opportunities and to support the next generation of writers and talent."

Drama, dance and music production 'Tree,' which follows Elba's album 'Mi Mandela,' is credited as created by Idris Elba and Kwame Kwei-Armah.

Elba does not appear in the play, which is headlining the Manchester International Festival, before a run at The Young Vic in London later this month.

With inputs from APTN