So it's clear when the British actor said it in an interview with
PBS' Tavis Smiley that he was trying to make a salient point--there's not enough diversity of talent in the British entertainment industry.
In all seriousness, I know what you’re saying. I think as far as colored actors go, it gets really difficult in the U.K. and I think a lot of my friends have had more opportunities here than in the U.K. and that’s something that needs to change.
It's also true that he immediately apologized:
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.
On the other hand, where does this word come from in his psyche? I can only guess it was used in his childhood and it popped out during the conversation. But here's a guy who spends most of his life in the limelight and knows damn well how to promote himself by staying on message. I don't think he ever slipped up during the promotional tour for The Imitation Game. So it's not quite the same thing an an average Joe's slip of the tongue.
Does it matter if Cumberbatch harbors unconscious or deeply hidden racist views? Certainly, there are far bigger racial issues we should be thinking about. But if you're going to live your life in the public spotlight—and make movies with political and social commentary--you have to be accountable for your beliefs at a deeper level.