Benedict Cumberbatch is currently under fire for using the word "coloured" in an attempt to describe black people. The remarks of the "Sherlock" actor resulted to accusation of his ancestors' ties to the slave trade. Fellow British actor David Oyelowo, on the other hand, defended his pal and said that the controversy was "ridiculous."

Recently, the "Imitation Game" actor talked to the "Tavis Smiley" show about the lack of diversity on British shows.

"I think as far as coloured actors go it gets really difficult in the UK. 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," said the soon-to-be-groom.

Hundreds of people condemned Benedict Cumberbatch for his allegedly offensive term. This prompted him to apologize profusely.

"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." the "Sherlock actor siad.

"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 apologise 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," he added.

Some have brought up the Benedict Cumberbatch family's involvement to the slave trade. The Daily Mail previously reported that the actor's ancestors engaged in slave-trading, which resulted to the family's wealth in the mid-18^th century. One of the family's plantations, owned by the actor's seventh-great-grandfather, allegedly had 250 slaves during its heyday.

Meanwhile, "Selma" actor David Oyelowo believes that people fail to look at the good message of Benedict Cumberbatch's statement and instead focus on the "coloured" word.

"I think it's ridiculous," Oyelowo told Newsbeat after admitting that he likewise called Cumberbatch as an act of support.

"When you look at what he was actually saying it's clear that he's a huge supporter of black performers," he added.