British actor Benedict Cumberbatch has apologized after describing black people as 'colored' on US television, saying he is 'an idiot' and is 'devastated to have caused offense'.

The 38-year-old Sherlock star used the racial term during a debate on the lack of diversity on British screens on the talk show Tavis Smiley last Wednesday.

After the interview, hundreds took to social media to condemn the actor for his choice of terminology, with many branding it 'racist' and 'inappropriate'.

Last night, Cumberbatch responded by issuing an apology for his 'incorrect' and 'offensive' use of the phrase.

He said: '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.'

Actor: Benedict Cumberbatch has apologized after describing black people as 'colored' on PBS's Tavis Smiley, saying he is 'an idiot' and is 'devastated to have caused offense'. Above, the actor during his TV interview

Criticism: Following Cumberbatch's appearance on the talk show, hundreds of people took to social media to condemn the actor for his choice of terminology, with many deeming it 'racist' and 'inappropriate'

'Outmoded': A Twitter user called Ashley questioned the actor's use of 'colored'. 'Benedict Cumberbatch used the word "colored" to describe black people in the year 2015, um, are we still using that word?' she wrote

US role: Cumberbatch, who is nominated for an Oscar, starred alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor in 12 Years a Slave

Cumberbatch, nominated for an Oscar for The Imitation Game, added: '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 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.'

'I AM DEVASTATED': BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH'S FULL APOLOGY '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. 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 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.' Advertisement

During his appearance on Tavis Smiley, a late-night talk show on PBS that features interviews on topical subjects and entertainment, the actor hit out at the lack of opportunities for black UK actors, saying they have a far better chance of success in Hollywood than Britain.

He told host Smiley that stars such as Idris Elba and David Oyelowo thrive in America more than in their home country - and pointed to films like Selma and 12 Years A Slave,

'It's an even playing field. [These actors] paid their dues for years by just doing beautiful performances,' he said.

'I think as far as colored actors go it gets really difficult in the UK.'

He continued: 'A lot of my friends have had more opportunities here (in the US) than in the UK and that's something that needs to change.'

After, the interview, hundreds of people took to social media to condemn the actor for his choice of words.

Twitter user Shane Thomas said: 'While I'm on board with Cumberbatch's points here, it really doesn't help when he uses a term like "colored"'.

Meanwhile, a woman called Ashley tweeted: 'Benedict Cumberbatch used the word "colored" to describe black people in the year 2015, um, are we still using that word?'

And Chelsea Nicole said: 'I never liked Cumberbatch and him calling people "colored" seals the deal.'

Controversial interview: On Monday night, Cumberbatch (pictured with Smiley on the show) issued an apology for his 'incorrect' and 'offensive' use of terminology, saying: 'I make no excuse for my being an idiot'

Not a fan: Chelsea Nicole tweeted: 'I never liked Cumberbatch and him calling people "colored" seals the deal'

Expressing her opinion: A woman named Marquetta, from an unspecified part of the US, wrote: 'Someone needs to tell Cumberbatch that the term 'colored' isn't used or accepted in these parts'

'A point undermined': ITV News broadcaster Charlene White posted her views on Twitter: 'Benedict Cumberbatch on lack of opps for black actors in UK. For me tho, undermined by him calling them 'colored'...'

ITV News broadcaster Charlene White also drew attention to Cumberbatch's interview on Twitter.

She posted: 'Benedict Cumberbatch on lack of opps for black actors in UK. For me tho, undermined by him calling them 'colored'...'

In a statement, British anti-racism educational charity Show Racism the Red Card said the term 'colored' is now outdated and has the potential to cause offence.

It said: 'Benedict Cumberbatch has highlighted a very important issue within the entertainment industry and within society.

Couple: Cumberbatch (seen with his fiancée, Sophie Hunter) described himself as feeling 'the complete fool'

Cumberbatch hit out at the lack of opportunities for black UK actors, saying they have a far better chance of success in Hollywood than Britain. He used actors Idris Elba (left) and David Oyelowo (right) as examples

'The lack of representation of people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds within certain industries in the UK is an issue which needs addressing.

'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.

'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 'colored' is now outdated and has the potential to cause offence due to the connotations associated with the term and its historical usage.

Star: In a statement, UK anti-racism educational charity Show Racism the Red Card said the term 'colored' is now outdated and has the potential to cause offence. Above, Cumberbatch in a promotional shot for Sherlock

'Sherlock' actor Benedict Cumberbatch's ancestors' plantation house in Barbados

'Appropriate terminology differs from country to country; for example, we know that in some countries the term 'colored' is still widely used, and that in the US the term 'people of color' is quite common.

'During our work with young people in schools throughout England, we discuss appropriate language to use when describing people of different skin colors and backgrounds and explain why the term 'colored' is no longer the best way to describe someone.'

Black British actors are currently storming Tinseltown.

Oyelowo, who moved to Los Angeles seven years ago in a bid to find more work, plays Martin Luther King Jr in Selma – which stars another Brit, Carmen Ejogo, as King’s wife Coretta Scott King.