ALAN Cumming has won praise for his decision to hand back his OBE after having his “eyes opened” to the history of the British Empire.
On Friday, the Scottish star told his 479,000 Instagram followers in a birthday post that he had decided to rescind the award.
The X-Men actor said discussions around the monarchy and the royal family’s role in the British Empire following the death of the Queen were reasons for the move.
Anti-monarchy campaign group Republic welcomed the news.
CEO Graham Smith told The National: “It’s great to see Alan join the ranks of those who have returned their OBE.
"More and more people are reflecting on the monarchy’s legacy of empire and slavery and coming to the same conclusion, that this institution stands firmly against our best traditions and most cherished values.
"Support for the monarchy is falling and I have no doubt it will continue to fall further until the day we finally abolish it.”
👏 The era of aristocratic titles and knightly orders bestowed by the Monarchy on behalf of an extinct empire should be far behind us. Thank you Alan Cumming for doing what's right. https://t.co/EwUHdREXAq
— Our Republic (@OurRepublicScot) January 27, 2023
Our Republic, a campaign group calling for an independent Scotland without the monarchy, said the Aberfeldy-born performer did the right thing.
They tweeted: “The era of aristocratic titles and knightly orders bestowed by the Monarchy on behalf of an extinct empire should be far behind us. Thank you Alan Cumming for doing what's right.”
Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer said Cumming’s decision could be part of the wider debate around the role of the monarchy and the history of empire.
“Alan’s contribution to the LGBTQ+ community has been extraordinary,” he said.
“Seeing the process he went through and his drive for justice, it’s easy to understand why he has become so widely recognised for his civil rights work."
Greer said the scale of the British Empire's death toll is "difficult to fathom".
He continued: "Whether it was inventing concentration camps during the Boer War, torturing Kenyan freedom activists just a few decades ago, or the homophobic laws it brought to countries around the world, the Empire's dire consequences will be felt for a long time to come.
“This is something the UK desperately needs to come to terms with, and Alan’s decision is an important part of that conversation.
“Should this country's highest honours really be named after its greatest shame?”
The group Campaign to Abolish the Monarchy added: “Well done Alan Cumming. It's time to reject the concept of empire.”
The Scot was dubbed "a legend" on social media while others took the time to wish him a happy 58th birthday.
Twitter user Ryan Love said: “Didn’t know it was possible to love Alan Cumming more, but here he is explaining why he has returned his OBE. Happy Birthday, Alan.”
Another added: “The more people realize that these titles cement inequalities the better. We don’t need the [royal family] to tell anyone, that they have done something outstanding.
“Those, that do, are doing things for the wrong reasons. Let’s hope, more will follow Alan’s example!”
And James Russell on Facebook said: "He’s spot on there. Absolutely the right thing to do.”
Meanwhile, others criticised the star for accepting the award in the first place, with David Wilson tweeting: "What is known about the Empire now that wasn’t known in 2009?"
