Alan Cumming has handed back OBE 14 years after being awarded in 2009.
The X-Men actor announced on Friday morning that he has returned the award following conversations about the 'toxicity' in the British Empire.
The Scots actor received the honour in 2009 for his ‘activism for equal rights for the gay and lesbian community’ in the USA before penning a lengthy Instagram statement about his decision.
Despite handing back the honour, the Traitors US host insisted he was 'incredibly grateful' for the award but is happy to be back to being 'plain old Alan Cumming'.
The 58-year-old told his 479,000 followers: "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.
"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)."
He concluded: "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!"
At the time Alan accepted the award, same-sex marriage was illegal and any openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual people were barred from serving in the military.
He had said he was ‘shocked and delighted’ to have been named in the Queen’s birthday honours list when the news was first announced 14 years ago. In a statement released at the time, he stated: "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 galvanised as an American".
Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here.
READ NEXT:
- The Traitors star Tom reveals “strict” rule that could sacrifice prize money after being booted from show
- BBC The Traitors confirmed for second series following 'no-brainer' decision
- The Traitors 2023 applications open - here's how you can apply to BBC show
- BBC The Traitors Scots star Meryl quits call centre job to focus on TV ambitions
- BBC The Traitors winners praise 'amazing' and 'supportive' host Claudia Winkleman
