Benedict Cumberbatch is among the top A-list celebrities who like to not get involved in any sort of controversy. Given his outstanding acting career which includes his hit series, Sherlock, and his globally recognized Doctor Strange role in Marvel Cinematic Universe films, he once got himself involved in some major controversy.
The actor was targeted by cancel culture for using the term ‘colored‘ for black British actors. It caused quite a commotion with the Marvel actor eventually apologizing for his mistake.
Benedict Cumberbatch Slammed for Using Term ‘Coloured’ for Black Actors
Back in 2015, the 46-year-old actor, Benedict Cumberbatch was talking about the lack of diversity within the UK creative industry. He further opened up about witnessing many examples where the British actors were finding more opportunities elsewhere than in the U.K.
However, his one word caught him in the center of alleged racism controversy as he shared,
“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.”
While many acknowledged the message behind his ideology, they criticized the actor for using the phrase, “colored” as it was racially inappropriate per many netizens.
Writer Bonnie Greer shared at the time,
“If he was 80, no one would have noticed. Under 60 — who says “colored” anymore? It indicates a mindset; a certain circle.”
Many felt that his usage of that word for Black actors was quite outdated. After the continuous criticism, he eventually decided to acknowledge his mistake.
Benedict Cumberbatch Issued a Public Apology for His Mistake!
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Due to the immense backlash, he suffered for using a racially inappropriate word, he eventually acknowledged his mistake and apologized for creating unintentional trouble in public.
He released a statement via PEOPLE stating that was “devastated to have caused offense.”
He continued,
“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.”
He issued a public apology “to anyone I offended for this thoughtless use of inappropriate language about an issue which affects friends of mine and which I care about deeply.”
While he unintentionally used the word at the time, he was quick enough to deal with the aftermath thus ending a sensitive controversy that could have threatened his successful career. The actor was last seen in MCU’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness which grossed $955 million worldwide.
He is set to return with his upcoming film, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar which will be released on Netflix this year.
Source: The Guardian
