Benedict Cumberbatch has issued an apology and stated that he hoped he did not cause offense after he outraged viewers on the Tavis Smiley talk show. The actor infuriated those watching when he called black people “coloured” on the US talk show and has now issued an apology for using the phrase. “I’m devastated to have caused offense by using this outmoded terminology,” he said on Monday evening. “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,” he continued. “The most shaming aspect of this for me is that I was talking about racial inequality in the performing arts in the UK 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.”