George the Poet turned down an MBE over ‘pure evil’ of the British Empire

Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy George the Poet has revealed he turned down an MBE because he believes the British Empire is “pure evil”. A recipient of an MBE becomes a Member of the Order of the British Empire, an accolade Mpanga said he could not accept because of the “colonial trauma inflicted on the children of Africa”. “I see myself as student, admirer and friend of Britain, however, the colonial trauma inflicted on the children of Africa, entrenched across our geopolitical and macroeconomic realities, prevents me from accepting the title Member of the British Empire.” He added that while “the gesture is deeply appreciated, the wording is not”. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only.