Benedict Cumberbatch defends ‘Sherlock’ nude scene

War Horse actor Benedict Cumberbatch defended a nude scene by one of his female co-stars in the BBC show Sherlock, in which he appears as a modern-day version of the classic detective.

Cumberbatch spoke to the Television Critics Association Thursday, saying that the scene was done tastefully, although he had to admit that it was great publicity for the show, according to The UK Press Association. “I think there's an awful lot of support for the way that we did it (the scene) and the taste that we did it with. And if it creates more interest in the program, thank you very much for that,” he told the association.

The Associated Press reports that the scene in question occurs during an episode titled, “A Scandal in Belgravia,” in which Holmes encounters a dominatrix played by Lara Pulver. Critics argued that the scenes in which Pulver bares all are too much for early morning television, when children are probably watching.

Cumberbatch went on to say that the scenes are not designed for the sole purpose of stimulating the audience, adding that, “It’s supposed to throw his (Holmes’) radar off, which is exactly what it does.”

In the press conference, which happened via satellite from London, Cumberbatch also danced around the question of returning as Holmes in a third season. Since his profile has suddenly risen, thanks to War Horse and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, it might be difficult for him to continue his television obligations.

The press conference was also his first public appearance since it was revealed that he would play the villain in J.J. Abrams’ second Star Trek film. He pretended to seek legal advice when asked about the film, only saying, “I’m just getting my head around the fact it’s happened. ... I’ll give you my headline on it, which is, ‘I’m over the moon.’”

Sherlock’s second season begins airing in the US on PBS in May.