Recently, "Sherlock Holmes" actor Benedict Cumberbatch regretfully slipped up when he used the term "colored" to refer to ethnic actors in a recent interview on the Tavis Smiley PBS show.

It started when Cumberbatch was asked how he felt about diversity in acting roles, specifically comparing the U.S and U.K. in that regard.

Cumberbatch answered:

"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. Something's gone wrong. We're not representative enough in our culture of different races, and that really does need to step up apace."

The question was posed to the "Imitation Game" actor in response to the success of Chiwetel Ejiofor and David Oyelowo in "12 Years a Slave" and "Selma."

The comment angered many fans and critics along with a anti-racism charity, Show Racism The Red Card, commenting, "[He] also inadvertently highlighted the issue of appropriate terminology and the evolution of language."

Cumberbatch instantly took to the public and issued this statement via People:

"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."

The actor goes on to express his shame by saying he has friends that he cares for deeply suffering from the issue discussed.