Oscar nominee Benedict Cumberbatch has made a public apology after he used the word "colored" to describe black people during an interview last week.
The 38-year-old used the racist term during a guest appearance on the talk show "Tavis Smiley" on Wed., Jan. 21. Ironically, he said it during a debate on the lack of diversity on British television.
"I think as far as colored actors go it gets really difficult in the UK," he said on the PBS talk show while pointing out the lack of opportunities for black U.K. actors in their home country.
Unsurprisingly, hundreds blasted the "Sherlock" star in their social media accounts for using the "racist" and "inappropriate" terminology, including ITV News broadcaster Charlene White.
"Benedict Cumberbatch on lack of opps for black actors in UK. For me tho, undermined by him calling them 'colored'...," White tweeted following Cumberbatch's interview.
"Someone needs to tell Cumberbatch that the term "colored" isn't used or accepted in these parts," one Twitter user wrote.
"I never liked Cumberbatch and him calling people "colored" seals the deal," said another Twitter user.
Cumberbatch addressed the controversy sparked by his use of the racial on Monday by issuing a heartfelt public apology, according to Daily Mail.
"I'm devastated to have caused offence by using this outmoded terminology. I offer my sincere apologies," said the actor. "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."
He also pointed out that he mentioned the racist term while bringing attention the lack of racial diversity in his country.
"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," he continued.
The "Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies" star also urged everyone to learn from his mistake and mentioned that he also has black friends who were affected by the controversy.
"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."
Cumberbatch is nominated for an Oscar in the Best Actor category for portraying mathematician Alan Turing in the highly acclaimed biopic "The Imitation Game."
