Benedict Cumberbatch sorry for "coloured actors" comment
He brands himself a fool
Benedict Cumberbatch has called himself a “fool” after he referred to black actors as “coloured” on an American talk show.
The Oscar dominated actor was discussing the lack of ethnic diversity in British acting when he made the remark – a term described by anti-racism charities as “outdated” and having “the potential to cause offence.”
He told chat show host Tavis Smiley: "I think as far as coloured actors go it gets really difficult in the UK, and a lot of my friends have had more opportunities here (in the US) than in the UK and that's something that needs to change."
After facing a backlash over his choice of word, Benedict last night issued a statement apologising to anyone who may have been offended.
38-year-old Benedict said: "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 UK 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 apologise 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."
Benedict is nominated for the Best Actor Oscar at next month’s Academy Awards ceremony for his portrayal of World War II codebreaker Alan Turing in The Imitation Game.