Cumberbatch apologises for using ‘coloured’

Benedict Cumberbatch last night apologised for referring to "coloured actors" on US television, saying he had been an idiot. The Sherlock star was criticised after using the phrase on a debate on the lack of diversity on British screens.

He issued a statementlast night saying: “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.”

He added: “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 UK and the need for rapid improvements in our industry when I used the term.