Benedict Cumberbatch apologizes for calling black actors 'colored'

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Benedict Cumberbatch has publicly apologized for referring to African-American and black actors as "colored" in a recent interview, calling himself an "idiot" for the slip of the tongue.

"I think as far as coloured actors go, it gets really different in the U.K., and a lot of my friends have had more opportunities here [in America] than in the U.K., and that's something that needs to change," Cumberbatch said on Tavis Smiley's self-titled PBS late-night show.

"Something's gone wrong, we're not representative enough in our culture of different races and that really does need to step up a pace."

Despite offering a message of social justice, Cumberbatch accidentally touched a nerve for casual use of dated language.

"Benedict Cumberbatch has highlighted a very important issue within the entertainment industry and within society," British civil rights group Show Racism the Red Card said in an official statement.

"In doing so, he has also inadvertently highlighted the issue of appropriate terminology and the evolution of language."

"I'm devastated to have caused offense by using this outmoded terminology," Cumberbatch offered in apology.

"I offer my sincere apologies. I make no excuse for my being an idiot and know the damage is done."