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Sherlock star Cumberbatch apologises for calling black actors ‘coloured’

He said that “as far as colored actors go,” there were more opportunities in the US than Britain, “and that’s something that needs to change.”

Benedict Cumberbatch says he was an “idiot” to refer to non-white actors as “coloured.”

The Academy Award-nominated actor used the word on PBS talk show Tavis Smiley last week while discussing diversity in the entertainment industry. He said that “as far as colored actors go,” there were more opportunities in the US than Britain, “and that’s something that needs to change.”

British anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card said it welcomed Cumberbatch’s comments on diversity but felt the term he used was “outdated.”

In a statement on Monday, Cumberbatch apologised for his “thoughtless use of inappropriate language.”

He said: “I’m devastated to have caused offence 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.”