Alan Cumming has celebrated his 58th birthday by announcing that he has returned his OBE due to the “toxicity” of the British Empire.
The award is the second highest ranking Order of the British Empire and is given to those who have made great contributions to their field of work.
It stands for Officer of the Order of the British Empire, which Cumming has now spoken out against.
“Fourteen years ago, I was incredibly grateful to receive it in the 2009 Queen’s birthday honours list, for it was awarded not just for my job as an actor but ‘for activism for equal rights for the gay and lesbian community, USA’,” he wrote on 27 January.
“Back then the Defence of Marriage Act ensured that same sex couples couldn’t get married or enjoy the same basic legal rights as straight people, and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell ensured that openly gay, lesbian or bisexual people were barred from serving in the military.”
He further explained that the death of Queen Elizabeth II “and the ensuing conversations about the role of monarchy and especially the way the British Empire profited at the expense (and death) of indigenous peoples across the world” made him think about where he stands on the matter.
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Concluding his post, he wrote: “So I returned my award, explained my reasons and reiterated my great gratitude for being given it in the first place. I’m now back to being plain old Alan Cumming again. Happy birthday to me!”
Fans of The Good Wife star appeared to show universal support for the actor’s decision.
“What an amazing thing you have done,” one wrote under the post. “In Canada, the impacts of colonization and residential schools are felt deeply. I’m glad to know the conversations happening overseas are having such a profound impact. Happy Birthday to you!”
Another added: “What an amazing and powerful statement to make. I hope many will follow your lead and demur if offered an OBE or any similar award. I look forward to the day when my country (Australia) becomes a republic, hopefully soon, and perhaps even the day the UK disavows the monarchy! Woohoo.”
“That must have been a tough decision but I’m proud of you for making it,” said a third. “You accepted it for change and now you’ve returned it for change too. You’re incredible.”
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