British actor Benedict Cumberbatch apologized Monday for using the term “colored” on the “Tavis Smiley” show last week during a discussion about diversity in the film industry, CNN reported.
The star of “The Imitation Game” and “Sherlock” was discussing the barriers that black actors face when seeking roles in the United Kingdom versus the United States when he used the term.
“I think as far as colored actors go, it gets really different in the UK,” he said, adding: “A lot of my friends have had more opportunities here [in America] than in the UK, and that’s something that needs to change.”
The British anti-racist organization Show Racism the Red Card criticized Cumberbatch for using the “outdated” term while applauding his overall comments on diversity, according to CNN.
The actor offered a contrite statement to People Monday:
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.
Smiley was quick to stand up for Cumberbatch:
Those who saw Benedict Cumberbatch on @PBS, know he feels persons of color are underrepresented in #Hollywood.
http://t.co/EcmciKpvgF
— Tavis Smiley (@tavissmiley) January 27, 2015
Watch the segment below. The conversation about race starts at 22:31:
h/t Mediaite
