Benedict Cumberbatch Talks 12-Year Relationship With Former Girlfriend, Cumberbitches, And His 'Weird Looks' As Julian Assange Asks Him To Quit Acting

Ever since "Sherlock," "Star Trek," "The Fifth Estate" among other things, Benedict Cumberbatch has become the media darling regarding girlfriend rumors and female flattery.

"I had a really busy year last year, and the beginning of this year, and all of them are coming home to roost in the same year, which is quite extraordinary," says Benedict Cumberbatch to The Independent.

Regarding his sex symbol status he simply says, "Oh, read the press cuttings. Various responses to that one."

"I think I've got a long face. I look a bit weird."

But as far as his relationship with his female fanbase, called the Cumberbitches, Benedict Cumberbatch admits to feeling uneasy about being targeted with girlfriend pleas and constant adoration from strangers.

"I was a little disturbed. I think they set feminism back a few years."

And in case you're wondering, Benedict Cumberbatch does not have a girlfriend. He is single, after ending a relationhip with fashion designer Anna Jones last year, and a 12-year relationship with actress Olivia Poulet before that.

But Benedict Cumberbatch might have to get used to the attention, as his latest film "The Fifth Estate," is currently making waves.

"I'd seen it in the States and I was terrified. I cannot watch myself for the first time, especially playing someone who is so removed from me - because of everything, the appearance, the accent. Everything about him is different."

And perhaps Benedict Cumberbatch should be terrified for other reasons as well, as Julian Assange is less than thrilled about the film, and has taken the time to write a letter asking him to quit the industry.

"You will be used, as a hired gun, to assume the appearance of the truth in order to assassinate it," writes Assange according to Variety.

"Feature films are the most powerful and insidious shapers of public perception, because they fly under the radar of conscious exclusion." 

Maybe Benedict Cumberbatch has more to worry about than girlfriend rumors.