David Oyelowo has defended his friend Benedict Cumberbatch after he (Cumberbatch) apologised for describing black actors as "coloured" on American television.
The Oscar-nominated actor was telling American television presenter Tavis Smiley that he believes Hollywood offers more opportunities for black actors than the UK does.
He said: "I think as far as coloured actors go it gets really difficult in the UK, and 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."
Cumberbatch has apologised for the comments, saying he was "devastated to have caused offence".
Speaking at the London premiere of his latest film Selma - a biopic about Martin Luther King - Oyelowo said: "What he was saying is that there is a lack of diversity in the UK, and that actors like myself are getting richer pickings in the US and that's sometjhing to look at generally."
In his apology, Cumberbatch said: "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 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."