Benedict Cumberbatch's Comments About 'Coloured' Actors Have Landed Him In Trouble On Twitter

UPDATE: Benedict Issues An Apology For 'Coloured Actors' Remarks

Benedict Cumberbatch is facing a backlash after referring to “coloured” actors in an interview.

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The ‘Sherlock’ actor was giving his feelings on race in the film industry, when he admitted that he thought it was a lot easier for black actors to land a role in America rather than in the UK.

Speaking to American talk show host Tavis Smiley, Benedict said: “Something’s gone wrong, we’re not being representative enough in our culture of different races and that really does need to step up a pace.”

Benedict Cumberbatch

All good so far, right?

However, what he said next has caused a stir online, thanks to his use of the now-antiquated term “coloured” (perhaps he’s been taking advice from Ken Morley about what terms are acceptable in 2015...).

He went on to say: “I think as far as coloured actors go it gets really difficult in the UK, and a lot of my friends have had more opportunities here [in America] than in the UK and that’s something that needs to change.

“I don’t want to get into any debates about that, but it’s clear when you see certain migratory patterns that there are more opportunities here than in the UK.”

His use of “coloured” hasn’t gone unnoticed by Twitter users, who have expressed their disdain with his use of the term.

Benedict is currently nominated for an Academy Award for his role as Alan Turing in ‘The Imitation Game’, having already been nominated in the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Last November, he announced his engagement to Sophie Hunter, who is currently expecting their first child.

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