Alan Cumming admits it was a “complex” decision to return the OBE.
The 58-year-old actor announced on Friday (27.01.23) that he will return the honor he was awarded in 2009 over the “toxicity” of the British Empire.
Alan thanked him for the “incredible” response to his decision when he elaborated on his choice.
He told People, “First of all, I didn’t expect to get this much attention.
“It’s been really positive. People really understood why it’s complicated, it’s complicated, it’s not black or white.”
The ‘X-Men’ star added: ‘I tried to say it in a statement and people really responded to it. I think it will change how you feel.”
Cumming was honored by Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace in 2009 but, after some thought, decided to return the award after the Queen died in a social media post to mark her 58th birthday. made clear.
The host of “The Traitors” wrote: “The death of the Queen and the subsequent role of the monarchy, in particular the way the British Empire profited from the sacrifice (and death) of indigenous peoples around the world. The conversation really opened my eyes.
“Also, thankfully, times and laws have changed in the United States, and the huge benefits that awards brought to the LGBTQ+ cause in 2009 are no longer as powerful as the misgivings I had related to empire toxicity. (OBE stands for British Empire)”
Alan continued:
