Benedict Cumberbatch Apologizes for Using an Outdated (and Racially Insensitive) Word

Even in England, folks just don't use THAT word

Cumberbatch Smiley

The guy has an elitist name — one that reads like he spent much of his youth playing with Silver Spoons. Add to that his totally Brit accent and superb acting chops, and you have a teflon Benedict Cumberbatch.

Trekkies know him as the new Khan, Marvel acolytes will know him as Doctor Strange, and thousands of female fans call themselves “Cumberbitches” in his honor (no, really). In short, nothing sticks to this guy but good will and cash. But he recently appeared on the Tavis Smiley Show, where he encountered his first taste of Her Majesty’s #PRFail.

He was discussing diversity in Hollywood (thank you, Viola Davis) with Tavis when he said:

“I think as far as colored actors go, it gets really difficult in the U.K.,

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