Alan Cumming Returns OBE, Citing Empire 'Toxicity' Before BAFTA Hosting Role
Acclaimed actor and television host Alan Cumming is poised for a potentially awkward encounter with the royal family this Sunday evening, as he takes the stage to host the prestigious BAFTA awards ceremony. This comes in the wake of his significant decision to return his Officer of the British Empire (OBE) honour, which he received in 2009.
The star, best known for hosting The Traitors in the US, publicly returned the award in 2023. He explained that his perspective shifted dramatically following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the ensuing national conversations about the monarchy and the historical legacy of the British Empire.
A Change of Heart and Public Explanation
"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," the actor told his supporters. He was originally honoured for his services to the LGBTQ+ community in the United States.
In a detailed statement, Cumming elaborated: "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 further noted that while the OBE brought positive attention to LGBTQ+ causes in 2009, evolving times and changed laws in the US diminished that benefit. His growing "misgivings about being associated with the toxicity of empire" ultimately led to his decision to relinquish the honour.
Criticism and Historical Precedents
The move did not go without criticism. Television presenter Piers Morgan launched a sharp attack on social media, labelling Cumming a "pathetic, disingenuous, disloyal, attention-seeking little twerp" for his choice.
However, Alan Cumming is not the first prominent figure to reject or return a royal honour. His action follows a notable tradition of protest:
- Michael Sheen: The fellow actor returned his OBE in December 2020 after deep research into Welsh history, stating he would feel like a 'hypocrite' to keep it.
- Jon Snow: The former Channel 4 newsreader declined an OBE in 2000, believing journalists should not accept honours from the Royal Family. He later made a documentary investigating the honours system.
- John Lennon: The Beatles icon famously returned his MBE in 1969 in protest against UK foreign policy, including involvement in Nigeria-Biafra and support for the Vietnam War.
Despite this controversy, Cumming's distinguished career remains decorated. He is a recipient of a BAFTA award, two Emmy Awards, an Olivier Award, and two Tony Awards. His hosting duties at the BAFTAs this Sunday will now carry an added layer of significance, given his recent public stance on the institution he is set to share the stage with.
