Benedict Cumberbatch under fire

Benedict Cumberbatch has apologised after he used the term “coloured” to describe black actors, admitting he had been “an idiot”. The Sherlock actor had come under fire from anti-racism campaigners after he used the controversial term when discussing the problems facing ambitious young actors in Britain.

He told the PBS talk show Tavis Smiley in the United States: “I think as far as coloured actors go, it gets really different in the United Kingdom, and a lot of my friends have had more opportunities here (in the United States) than in the UK and that’s something that needs to change.

“Something’s gone wrong, we’re not representative enough in our culture of different races and that really does need to step up a pace.”

His overall message was applauded by the anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC). However the campaign condemned the actor’s use of the word “coloured” to refer to people from ethnic minorities.

“Benedict Cumberbatch has highlighted a very important issue within the entertainment industry and within society,” a SRtRC spokesperson told The Independent. “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 Show Racism the Red Card feels that the term ‘coloured’ is now outdated and has the potential to cause offence because of the connotations associated with the term and its historical usage.”

On Twitter, users who watched the interview said Cumberbatch had “crossed the line”. The playwright and critic Bonnie Greer said the actor’s language indicated “a mindset, a certain circle”. Cumberbatch issued a statement on Monday saying: “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.”

He added: “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 that affects friends of mine and that I care about deeply.”