Livia Giuggioli tears up royal honor over Trump’s UK state visit
Livia Giuggioli, the ex-wife of Oscar-winning actor Colin Firth, has made headlines by returning her prestigious royal honor, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), in a bold act of defiance. Giuggioli, who received the award in 2019 for her contributions to the fashion industry, took to Instagram to announce her decision to tear up her certificate and return the medal to the UK government.
The 56-year-old activist expressed her disapproval of the UK’s “appeasement” of President Trump during his recent state visit. Giuggioli criticized the UK for welcoming Trump with open arms, despite what she described as his “poisonous rhetoric” at the UN General Assembly. She specifically called out King Charles for his role in hosting the US President, accusing him of appeasing someone who represents the obliteration of the natural world and the most vulnerable people on earth.
In her Instagram post, Giuggioli explained that she initially accepted the MBE on behalf of garment worker activists and out of respect for King Charles’ efforts in social and environmental justice. However, her perspective shifted after witnessing Trump’s state visit. Feeling unable to reconcile her values with the UK’s actions, she decided to return her honor as a statement of protest.
Giuggioli’s act of defiance included shredding her honor and sending it back to the UK government. She emphasized the importance of taking a stand to make one’s feelings known and attached a letter to explain her decision. The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a prestigious award that recognizes exceptional community service and achievements.
The controversy surrounding Giuggioli comes in the wake of her high-profile divorce from Colin Firth, whom she married in 1997. The couple, who shares two children, Luca and Matteo, ended their marriage after Giuggioli admitted to having an affair with Italian journalist Marco Brancaccia during a temporary separation. Despite legal actions and a private settlement, the details of the affair were kept private.
Giuggioli’s bold move to return her MBE reflects her strong beliefs and principles, as well as her willingness to take a stand against what she perceives as injustices. The act has sparked debate and attention in the media, highlighting the intersection of politics, activism, and personal values in the public eye.
