Oscar-nominated actor Benedict Cumberbatch has apologized for referring to black actors as "colored" during an appearance on a PBS talk show.
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According to MSN, the British actor appeared as a guest on Tavis Smiley and used the term when discussing the lack of diversity in British cinema compared to the United States.
"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.
Cumberbatch's comments were met with criticism on social media. According to CNN, British anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card issued a statement saying that while they liked the message Cumberbatch tried to send they felt the use of the term was outdated.
Cumberbatch offered his apology in a statement issued on Monday.
"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."
Cumberbatch is currently nominated for Best Actor for his role in The Imitation Game.