Alan Cumming Gave Back U.K. Honor From Queen Elizabeth Over ‘Toxicity’ Of British Empire

Alan Cumming is no longer a holder of OBE so… to whom it may concern he is now plain Alan Cumming. “The Good Wife” actor turned 58 on Friday, January 27, and with his birthday came breaking news.

Alan Cumming received an OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in 2009, during the “Investiture Ceremony” which was done in recognition of people who have done exemplary service to the U.K.

Taking to his Instagram on his birthday, Alan announced to his fans that he did something “for himself,” he then revealed that he recently returned his OBE honor.

Alan Cumming — Alan’s Reason For Returning His OBE

In Alan’s post, he shared his gratitude for being given the award in 2009 during the “Queen’s birthday honors lists.” Alan also went ahead to share that he wasn’t given the honor just because he’s an actor but also because he is a human rights activist for the LGBTQ community.

“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.” Continuing, Alan explained that back when the honor was bestowed on him, same-sex marriage wasn’t a thing, and if you were gay you wouldn’t be allowed to serve in the military.

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell ensured that openly gay, lesbian or bisexual people were barred from serving in the military. (Incidentally both these policies were instituted by the Clinton administration),” said Alan.

Speaking of why he decided to return his OBE honor, “The Traitors” host shared that following the Queen’s demise, the honor no longer means that much to him as it does fourteen years ago. He also pointed fingers at the current toxicity in the British Empire as well as how it profits off slavery and other things.

“The Queen’s death 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 really opened my eyes,” he explained.

“Also, thankfully, times and laws in the US have changed, and the great good the award brought to the LGBTQ+ cause back in 2009 is now less potent than the misgivings I have being associated with the toxicity of empire (OBE stands for Officer of the British Empire).”

Concluding his post, Alan said, “So I returned my award, explained my reasons and reiterated my great gratitude for being given it in the first place,” he concluded. “I’m now back to being plain old Alan Cumming again. Happy birthday to me!”

Alan Cumming — Alan’s Statement When He First Received His OBE Honor

Somewhere in between Alan’s revelations, explanations, and birthday wishes to himself, he added the statement he made the day he received the OBE honor.

Alan wrote, “This is the statement I made at the time: ‘I am really shocked and delighted to receive this honour. I am especially happy to be honoured for my activism as much as for my work.”

“The fight for equality for the LGBT community in the US is something I am very passionate about, and I see this honour as encouragement to go on fighting for what I believe is right and for what I take for granted as a UK citizen.”

“Thank you to the Queen and those who make up her Birthday honours list for bringing attention to the inaction of the US government on this issue. It makes me very proud to be British, and galvanized as an American.’”

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