The Scottish actor, 58, announced he was giving back his Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire honour on Friday.
Posting a statement on Instagram, Alan revealed he was shocked at the attention and positive reinforcement he received in the wake of his decision.
The prestigious award was presented to the Spy Kids star by the late Queen Elizabeth II as part of her birthday honours list.
Alan was recognised at the time for his acting work and campaign efforts for LGBTQ+ rights and was given the accolade by Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace.
He told People of his decision to send back the palatial honour: ‘I mean, first of all, I didn’t ever expect so much attention about it.
‘It’s been really positive. People really understood why it’s complicated, it’s complex, it’s not a black or white thing.
‘I tried to say that in my statement, and people have really responded to that. I think times are changing and things change, and you change how you feel about something.’
The My Old School actor let fans know he was returning the accolade via a message on his social media channels.
Alongside two images of the star – one of which was a snap from the day he received his honour over a decade ago – he penned an explainer caption alerting fans to the big decision he had decided to make on his 58th birthday.
Alan typed: ‘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 continued: ‘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!’
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MORE : Piers Morgan calls Alan Cumming a ‘disloyal, attention-seeking twerp’ for returning OBE over ‘toxic’ British Empire
MORE : Alan Cumming hands back OBE after conversation around ‘toxic’ British Empire ‘opened my eyes’
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