Benedict Cumberbatch: U.S. is Better for Black Actors Than U.K.

[Brian in Mesa]

Benedict Cumberbatch: U.S. is Better for Black Actors Than U.K.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/benedict-cumberbatch-us-is-better-767068

Amid a growing debate regarding a lack of diversity across awards season nominees, particularly at this year’s Oscars, Benedict Cumberbatch has claimed that the U.K. actually falls behind Hollywood when it comes to opportunities for black actors.

Speaking on the Tavis Smiley PBS talk show, the Sherlock star and Oscar nominee said: "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."

 

[Brian in Mesa]

I didn't find anything wrong with what he said, but after the backlash he had to apologize for his choice of words. SMH. #NAACP

Benedict Cumberbatch Apologizes for Calling Black Actors "Colored"

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/ne...ogizes-calling-black-767434?Facebook_20150126

In a recently issued apology, Benedict Cumberbatch called himself an "idiot" and a "fool" after referring to black actors as "colored."

The actor, who earned an Oscar nom for his role in The Imitation Game, recently appeared on PBS' Tavis Smiley, where he talked about diversity in the British versus American entertainment industry.

"As far as colored actors go, it gets really difficult in the U.K.," he said. Cumberbatch was speaking on how black English actors, including Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Selma's David Oyelowo, have found greater career success in America than in their native country.

The U.K.-based charity Show Racism the Red Card stated that it appreciated the sentiment intended by Cumberbatch, but questioned the delivery, calling the actor's specific word choice "outdated" and potentially offensive.