( CNN ) Oscar-nominated star Benedict Cumberbatch has apologized for referring to black actors as `` colored '' on a U.S. talk show . The `` 12 Years a Slave '' actor said he was an `` idiot '' and `` devastated '' at his choice of words during an interview with PBS ' Tavis Smiley about the lack of diversity in the British film industry . Cumberbatch , 38 , told Smiley : `` I think as far as colored actors go , it gets really difficult in the UK , and I think a lot of my friends have had more opportunities here [ in the U.S. ] than in the UK , and that 's something that needs to change . '' His comments were criticized by some observers on Twitter as being insensitive and out of touch . One user called Sonya Thomas asked : `` Benedict Cumberbatch used the term 'coloured ' to describe black actors . What year are we in ? '' But Smiley , who is black , defended the `` Sherlock '' star on Monday , tweeting : `` Those who saw Benedict Cumberbatch on @ PBS , know he feels persons of color are underrepresented in # Hollywood . '' The actor , who appeared on Smiley 's show to discuss his Oscar-nominated role in `` The Imitation Game , '' praised the efforts of Lenny Henry , a black British actor and comedian who has launched a campaign to ensure more ethnic minorities are employed in the UK media . `` 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 , '' Cumberbatch said . `` It 's clear when you see certain migratory patterns that there are more opportunities here than there are in the UK . '' Cumberbatch issued the following statement to People magazine on Monday : `` 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 . `` 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 . '' Read : Opinion : Cumberbatch misspoke -- now let 's get over it and fight real prejudice . Anti-racism campaigners in the UK lamented Cumberbatch 's use of the word as `` outdated '' but praised the actor for highlighting `` a very important issue within the entertainment industry and within society . '' `` The lack of representation of people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds within certain industries in the UK is an issue which needs addressing , and we are pleased that Benedict has spoken out in support of more appropriate representation and of the views of actors and campaigners like Lenny Henry , '' a spokesperson from Show Racism the Red Card told CNN . `` In doing so , he has also inadvertently highlighted the issue of appropriate terminology and the evolution of language . Show Racism the Red Card feel that the term 'coloured ' is now outdated and has the potential to cause offence due to the connotations associated with the term and its historical usage . '' `` Appropriate terminology differs from country to country ; for example , we know that in some countries the term 'coloured ' is still widely used , and that in the US the term 'people of colour ' is quite common . '' See the star 's full interview on Tavis Smiley here .
Benedict Cumberbatch apologizes for calling black actors `` colored '' on U.S. TV . Score: 7 Star 's comment came during conversation about lack of diversity in UK show business .