Benedict Cumberbatch, beloved British actor, has found himself in hot water after accidentally using the word ‘coloured’ to describe actors of different ethnicities.
Appearing on an a PBS talk show in the US, the Oscar-nominated star of The Imitation Game was speaking about representation in Hollywood in light of the lack of racial diversity in awards-season nominees this year.
Speaking to host Tavis Smiley, Cumberbatch was speaking about the black British actors David Oyelowo (Selma) and Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave), commenting on how they struggle to find roles in the UK:
“I think as far as colored actors go, it gets really difficult in the UK, and I think a lot of my friends have had more opportunities here [in the U.S.] than in the UK, and that’s something that needs to change,” Cumberbatch said.
“Something’s gone wrong, we’re not being representative enough in our culture of different races and that really does need to step up a pace,” he added.
While the actor’s use of the word angered many viewers, the show’s host took to Twitter to defend the points he was trying to make:
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
Realising his mistake, the actor issued an immediate apology, published by People Magazine:
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.
While Cumberbatch’s apology has been praised for its frank acceptance of his mistake, some industry commentators have claimed this may affect his chances come Oscar night on February 22nd.
