Benedict Cumberbatch does the news

Sherlock actor takes a break from filming on location in London and attacks the UK government over civil liberties violations

Sherlock actor Benedict Cumberbatch made a splash on Sunday when he was photographed holding a sign directed at the paparazzi following him: "Go photograph Egypt and show the world something important." 

Seizing another opportunity to spread a message to the media, Cumberbatch on Wednesday again approached a group of photographers, notebook paper in hand. "Questions we have a right to ask in a democracy," he wrote in occasionally unreadable script addressed to British Prime Minister David Cameron. The message seems to have been spurred, in part, by the Guardian's recent dealings with GCHQ, the UK intelligence agency, and the detention of Guardian columnist Glenn Greenwald's partner David Miranda at Heathrow airport.

Twitter user @vickster51 chronicled the entire statement, white @cumberbatch_DE, a German fan site, documented the incident in photos.

"Hard drives smashed, journalists detained at airports...... Democracy?"

And with that, Cumberbatch bid the media and gathered fans adieu, and returned to filming Sherlock.

Oh, and Martin Freeman was there too.

Contributor

Erin McCann

The GuardianTramp

Related Content

Article image
The outrageous fortune of Benedict Cumberbatch
Five years ago, Sherlock propelled him into the stratosphere. Now he’s photobombing the Oscars and selling out Hamlet a year in advance. Friends and co-stars reveal why the world is wild for Benedict Cumberbatch

Emine Saner

26, Jul, 2015 @2:00 PM

Article image
I thought I was past teenage crushes. Then I saw Benedict Cumberbatch | Tabitha Carvan
When Tabitha Carvan developed intense feelings for the actor, she found a community of middle-aged women who felt the same – without any shame

Tabitha Carvan

16, Mar, 2022 @4:30 PM

Article image
Benedict Cumberbatch solves Sesame Street maths mystery | Media Monkey
Media Monkey: Sherlock star proves he's no Muppet as he joins the Count in solving a 'brain-bending challenge' on the children's TV show

Monkey

05, Feb, 2014 @9:49 AM

Article image
Sherlock's Benedict Cumberbatch: TV awards shows are just pants | Media Monkey
Media Monkey: Star accepts prize via satellite link wearing a dinner jacket – but camera reveals he is sporting only shorts on his bottom half

Monkey

23, Jan, 2014 @10:27 AM

Article image
The peculiar charm of Benedict Cumberbatch

Sherlock Holmes made him an unlikely superstar. Now Benedict Cumberbatch is taking on Julian Assange. He talks to to Decca Aitkenhead about email warnings from the WikiLeaks founder, his 'crush' on Matt Damon and why Chelsea Manning broke an oath

Decca Aitkenhead

14, Sep, 2013 @8:00 AM

Article image
Sherlock 'will continue until Benedict Cumberbatch gets too famous' | Media Monkey

Media Monkey: Star and producer reveal their plans for the future of the show, the role of Mary, and whether Sherlock really kissed Moriarty

Monkey

22, Jan, 2014 @9:34 AM

Article image
Benedict Cumberbatch: naturally he's a class act | Observer profile
Profile: Long before Sherlock, Tinker Tailor or this week's Parade's End, the actor has won plaudits for his work on stage and screen. And his success has had nothing to do with going to Harrow

Euan Ferguson

18, Aug, 2012 @11:07 PM

Article image
Is Benedict Cumberbatch moaning again? | Media Monkey
Media Monkey: Sherlock and Star Trek actor discusses assumptions people make about him from the characters he plays

Monkey

08, Jan, 2013 @7:34 AM

Article image
Benedict Cumberbatch hopes Sherlock will break his Bafta duck
Star of BBC1 series gets fifth nomination at an awards ceremony dominated by crime dramas such as Happy Valley, The Missing and Line of Duty

John Plunkett

08, May, 2015 @12:35 PM

Article image
Benedict Cumberbatch: no Star Wars or Doctor Who, but a licence to thrill? | Media Monkey
Media Monkey: Sherlock star denies he'll appear in JJ Abrams film or play Time Lord, but is reported to have been offered role as Ian Fleming

Monkey

17, Apr, 2014 @8:58 AM