British actor, Benedict Cumberbatch recently addressed black people as 'colored' on Tavis Smiley's show.
"I think as far as colored
actors go it gets really different in the
U.K., and a lot of my friends
have had more opportunities here [in the U.S.] than in the U.K., and
that's something that needs to change," - He said.
The 'Sherlock' star used the term when he was asked about black British actors Chiwetel Ejiofor and David Oyelewo achieving success with 12 Years a Slave and Selma, respectively.
His statement however sparked outrage on twitter.
Following the social media outrage, the 38-year-old actor has released a statement to People.
"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."
He continues, "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.
He continues, "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."
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