He’s one of the most gentle and humble hunks in the industry, and when Benedict Cumberbatch misspoke during his recent interview with Tavis Smiley he immediately issued an apology.
The “Sherlock” actor mistakenly referred to black actors as “colored” while discussing the way that UK films are way behind American movies with regard to hiring non-white talent- “In all seriousness, I know what you’re saying. I think as far as colored actors go, it gets really difficult in the U.K., and I think a lot of my friends have had more opportunities here [in America] than in the U.K. and that’s something that needs to change.”
Following Cumberbatch’s sentiments, a rep from Show Racism the Red Card declared, “Benedict Cumberbatch has highlighted a very important issue within the entertainment industry and within society. In doing so, he has also inadvertently highlighted the issue of appropriate terminology and the evolution of language. Show Racism the Red Card feels that the term ‘colored’ is now outdated and has the potential to cause offence due to the connotations associated with the term and its historical usage.”
And Benedict replied, “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 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 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.
