LONDON (AP) – “Selma” star David Oyelowo has voiced his support for fellow British actor Benedict Cumberbatch, who came under criticism for using the term “colored” in an interview.
Oyelowo, who plays Martin Luther King Jr. in “Selma,” said at the film’s European premiere in London on Tuesday that people should focus on what Cumberbatch was saying – rather than the terminology he used.
Discussing diversity in the entertainment industry, Cumberbatch said last week on the “Tavis Smiley” that “as far as colored actors go,” there were more opportunities in the U.S. than Britain. “And that’s something that needs to change,” he said.
Cumberbatch later said sorry for his “thoughtless use of inappropriate language.” He said he was “devastated to have caused offence by using this outmoded terminology.”
Oyelowo defended Cumberbatch when asked about the comment.