Andre 3000: Racism 'will die out one day'

Andre Benjamin aka Andre 3000. Photo / Getty Images

Racist views will eventually be seen as "nonsense" and die out, according to actor and musician Andre Benjamin.

The performer, who will take the role of legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix in a biopic of the tragic star's life, said racist opinions will cease to exist in the same way medical advances poured scorn on the concept of using leeches to treat some illnesses.

Benjamin, who performed as Andre 3000 with US hip-hop outfit Outkast, told Channel 4 News: "I think it's changed a lot.

"There's been a lot of progression in race relations, and I see it a lot in the youth. They don't see it the same but there is still racism around.

"I think it (racism) will have to just grow out and die out because a lot of times it's passed down through generation and generation.

"I don't want to sound morbid but those people will die out. Hopefully we will get to an easier, more fair way of thinking about it, with race and sexuality. It just takes time."

His comment comes amid tensions in America between police and the black community after an unarmed black 18-year-old was shot by a white policeman, sparking more than a week of unrest.

"It (racism) will be nonsense after a while," said Benjamin.

"It will be like - at one point in time leeches were put on people for medical reasons, once that dies out it will be alright."

Hendrix died in London in 1970 after collapsing at a party.

- PAA