Benedict Cumberbatch is publicly apologizing after being criticized for using the term "colored" to described African American actors.
During an appearance on PBS' "Tavis Smiley" last week, the 38-year-old "Sherlock" actor was asked his opinions about "12 Years a Slave" actor Chiwetel Ejiofor and "Selma" actor David Oyelowo.
"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 replied. "Something's gone wrong. We're not representative enough in our culture of different races, and that really does need to step up apace."
"I don't want to get into any debates about that, but it's clear when you see certain migratory pattern that there are more opportunities here than in the U.K."
In response to Cumberbatch's comment, the U.K.-based organization Show Racism the Red Card praised the actor for urging Hollywood to become more diverse, but also criticized the actor for using an "outdated" term such as "colored."
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Oscar-nominated actor expressed his regret in a statement, which read, "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," Cumberbatch continued. "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."
