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■ Scottish actor Alan Cumming has returned an honor from Britain’s government and monarchy, he announced on Instagram last week, saying he didn’t want to be associated with the “toxicity of empire.” Cumming, host of the American version of the reality competition show “The Traitors,” joins a tradition of people rejecting the Officer of the Order of the British Empire and similar honors such as knighthoods and damehoods. Cumming was given the award in 2009, and he said in an Instagram post marking his 58th birthday Friday that he had recently returned it. He said he was “incredibly grateful” to have received it because it recognized his gay rights activism in the United States, where he is a citizen, in addition to his work as an actor, which has included film, television and stage roles. He said, however, that the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September and the conversations it provoked about the role of the monarchy had prompted him to reconsider. The end of the queen’s seven-decade reign reignited discussions about the legacy of British colonialism and the monarchy’s role in the slave trade. “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,” Cumming said. “Also, thankfully, times and laws in the U.S. 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.” Cumming, who was recently in the television series “Schmigadoon!” and “The Good Fight,” said that when he returned the honor he explained himself and “reiterated my great gratitude for being given it in the first place.”

■ One of Mardi Gras’ signature Carnival krewes will be led this year by actor and comedian Adam Devine. He’ll reign as Bacchus LIV, king of the 2023 Krewe of Bacchus, which will roll through the streets of New Orleans on Feb. 19 ahead of Mardi Gras on Feb. 21. Devine is most recognized for his portrayal of Bumper in the films “Pitch Perfect” and “Pitch Perfect 2,” as well as the television series “Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin.” He’s also known for his TV sitcom roles in “Modern Family” and HBO’s “The Righteous Gemstones.” The theme of Bacchus’ 54th parade is “Throw Me Something, Mister!” It’ll feature 21 floats, including Mr. Potato Head, Mr. Coffee and Mr. Mardi Gras. Restaurateur Owen Edward “Pip” Brennan Jr. founded the Krewe of Bacchus in 1968 to expand the Carnival experience by staging a parade on the Sunday before Mardi Gras, having a national celebrity king and inviting riders from across the country. In 1969, Bacchus was the first krewe to parade superfloats — extended or double-decker structures — through the French Quarter.

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2023-01-29T08:00:00.0000000Z

2023-01-29T08:00:00.0000000Z

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