Benedict Cumberbatch apologizes for ‘colored actors’ comment

MANILA, Philippines – Benedict Cumberbatch has apologized for referring to black actors as ‘colored people’ during a guest appearance on The Tavis Smiley Show.

“I think as far as colored actors go it gets really different in the U.K., and a lot of my friends have had more opportunities here [in the U.S.] than in the U.K., and that’s something that needs to change,” he said in reply, when asked about fellow British actors David Oyelowo and Chiwetel Eijofor’s successful performances in their respective films Selma and Twelve Years A Slave. 

In a statement to People, he apologized for his comment on the show, saying: 

“I’m devastated to have caused offense by using this outmoded terminology. I offer my sincere apologies. I make no excuse for my being an idiot and know the damage is done. I can only hope this incident will highlight the need for correct usage of terminology that is accurate and inoffensive. The most shaming aspect of this for me is that I was talking about racial inequality in the performing arts in the U.K. and the need for rapid improvements in our industry when I used the term. I feel the complete fool I am and while I am sorry to have offended people and to learn from my mistakes in such a public manner please be assured I have. I apologize again to anyone who I offended for this thoughtless use of inappropriate language about an issue which affects friends of mine and which I care about deeply.”

The Sherlock star is currently an Oscar Best Actor nominee for his role as pioneer computer scientist Alan Turing in The Imitation Game. – Rappler.com

Benedict Cumberbatch photo from Shutterstock