The British actor, Benedict Cumberbatch admired and praised for his role as the British computer scientist in The Imitation Game made a genuine apology for addressing black actors and artists ‘coloured’ on Tavis Smiley PBS Talk 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. Something’s gone wrong. We’re not representative enough in our culture of different races, and that really does need to step up apace. 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 U.K.”
Though the actor was talking about their challenges in fetching good movie roles and opportunities and in support for all black artists, the actor made a tiny but grave mistake by using an inappropriate word to which the twitterati reacted with negative comments in a jiffy, ignoring that the actor was talking in favour of black artists.
Cumberbatch, as we all know him, wrote this apology letter addressing all the people and their sentiments that he had hurt ignorantly.
“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. 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.”
His apology sure looks like a genuine one.
What do you have to say about the entire Cumberbatch mistake episode? Do you think online audience has resorted to Twitter for bashing celebrities for no reason? Share in the comments section below.
