David Oyelowo has come to the defense of fellow actor Benedict Cumberbatch for his use of the term "colored" when talking about black actors.
Credit: Jennifer Graylock/INFphoto.com
Cumberbatch found himself surrounded by controversy after saying that "colored" actors have more opportunities in the United States than comared to the United Kingdom.
Oyelowo, who portrayed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the Oscar-nominated film Selma, said people should focus on what Cumberbatch had to say instead of highlighting his use of the outdated term according to USA Today.
"Look at what the man was actually saying — and he didn't have to say it, he isn't affected by what he is saying," Oyelowo told reporters at the London premiere of Selma Tuesday. "To latch on to this word is silly."
According to Yahoo News, Oyelowo added that he liked Cumberbatch's support for more diversity in the film industry.
"He was actually being very supportive of the likes of me, and other black actors and actresses — we do have greater opportunities in the U.S. in relation to the U.K."
Cumberbatch issued an apology for his comments on Monday.