Alan Cumming returns OBE over concerns related to British Empire ‘toxicity’
Scottish actor Alan Cumming has handed over his OBE due to “doubts” of being involved in the “toxicity” of the British Empire.
He was named an OBE in the 2009 Queen’s Birthday Honors for his work as an actor, as well as his campaign for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States.
He said at the time he was shocked and delighted to receive the honor.
But after the Queen’s death and subsequent conversations about the future of the monarchy, Cumming said he has decided to revoke the honor.
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Alan Cumming announces decision to return OBE medal on his birthday (Jane Barlow/PA)
He wrote on Instagram: “The death of the Queen and subsequent conversations about the role of the monarchy and in particular how the British Empire profited at the expense (and death) of the native population. locations around the world have really opened my eyes.
“Fourteen years ago, I was extremely grateful to receive it in the 2009 Queen’s birthday honor roll, as it was given not only for my work as an actor but ‘for my activism. equal rights movement for the gay and lesbian community, USA’.
“Back then, the Marriage Protection Act ensured that same-sex couples could not marry or enjoy the same basic legal rights as heterosexuals, and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell made sure that gay men , openly lesbian or bisexual is prohibited from serving in the military.”
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Cumming was a vocal advocate for Scottish independence (Danny Lawson/PA)
Speaking on his 58th birthday on Friday, Cumming added: “Thankfully, times and laws in the United States have changed, and the good that the awards brought to LGBTQ+ in 2009 are now hours. this is less powerful than the suspicions I have regarding empire toxicity (OBE stands for Officer of the British Empire).
“So I returned my award, explained the reason, and reiterated my immense gratitude for being awarded it in the first place. Now I’m back to the old Alan Cumming. Happy Birthday to me!”
In 2014, Cumming supported a Yes vote in the Scottish independence referendum and continues to be a supporter of the cause.
Last year, he said the debate around independence was putting people off because it had become “polarized”.
https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/alan-cumming-returns-obe-over-concerns-of-link-to-toxicity-of-british-empire-42315731.html Alan Cumming returns OBE over concerns related to British Empire ‘toxicity’