Cumberbatch defends speaking about refugee plight after Hamlet

Benedict Cumberbatch has defended his decision to speak out against politicians' treatment of refugees after a performance of Hamlet.

The Sherlock star, 39, spoke after picking up a CBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace for services to the performing arts and charity.

Royal Editor Tim Ewart reports:

Cumberbatch, who is married to Sophie Hunter, 37, has previously used his curtain call moment to condemn the government’s response to the refugee crisis.

The star defended his decision and told ITV News: "I'm interested in the number of people that are drowning off the island of Lesbos, people who need funding and help, I'm not interested in the flak that I'm taking.

He added appealing to audience for a good cause is not an unusual activity at the end of a show.