Los Angeles, Jan 27 (IANS): Actor Benedict Cumberbatch, who was criticised for using racist term “coloured” to address black actors on a talk show, has issued an apology for his controversial remark.

“I'm devastated to have caused offence 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,” the 38-year-old said in a statement, reports aceshowbiz.com.

“I can only hope this incident will highlight the need for correct usage 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 Britain and the need for rapid improvements in our industry when I used the term,” he added.

Cumberbatch made the controversial remark last week when he appeared on the show “Tavis Smiley”.

Asked about black British actors Chiwetel Ejiofor and David Oyelowo, who starred in “12 Years a Slave” and “Selma”, he said: “I think as far as coloured actors go, it gets really different in Britain, and a lot of my friends have had more opportunities here (in the US) than in Britain, and that's something that needs to change.”

Cumberbatch further wrote in the statement: “I apologise again to anyone I offended for this thoughtless use of inappropriate language about an issue which affect friends of mine and which I care about deeply.