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.`
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