Michael Buerk: Benedict Cumberbatch criticised by BBC journalist for trumpeting 'infantile' worldview
'There’s only so much of the Benedict and Emma worldview you can take,' says Buerk
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The veteran BBC journalist Michael Buerk has criticised celebrities such as Benedict Cumberbatch and Emma Thompson for trumpeting “infantile ideas” about what must be done to ease major issues such as the refugee crisis.
Buerk has reported from war-torn countries across the world in a career spanning over four decades. His reports on the Ethiopian famine became one of the most famous examples of broadcast journalism in the twentieth century and sparked Bob Geldof’s Live Aid fundraising campaign.
In an interview with Ross Kemp for the Radio Times, Buerk questioned the activism of high-profile people towards world crisis, singling out Cumberbatch and Thompson.
“As a superannuated war reporter myself I’m a little sniffy about celebs pratting around among the world’s victims,“ he wrote.
“I hate it when feather-bedded thesps pay flying visits to the desperate to parade their bleeding hearts and trumpet their infantile ideas on what ‘must be done’.
“There’s only so much of the Benedict and Emma worldview you can take.”
Cumberbatch has been particularly vocal in pressuring the Government to do more to help refugees and used a performance at the Barbican to urge the audience to “f**k the politicians” and help fundraising efforts. He also used public appearances to highlight the plight of refugees and in February joined actors such as Jude Law and Idris Elba in urging David Cameron to assist children living in part of the Jungle camp in Calais which was set for demolition in an open letter.
Thompson has campaigned for a variety of issues including sex workers, the refugee crisis and climate change.
Representatives for Thompson and Cumberbatch did not immediately return requests for comment.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments