Jason Arday, the former Cambridge University professor who recently resigned amid accusations of plagiarism and questions over his past claims, once stated in a now-deleted podcast interview that he was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2017. The 41-year-old academic, known for being the youngest black professor at Cambridge and a prominent figure in diversity discussions, has faced intense scrutiny following allegations that he copied parts of his PhD from another student.

In a 2023 interview on the Before Our Friends Die podcast, Arday said the supposed MBE was given in recognition of his charitable fundraising efforts. While he mentioned that accepting such an honour could be seen as acknowledging the work of those who supported him, he also expressed reservations about accepting an award tied to the British Empire, citing a personal conflict between critiquing empire and receiving the honour. Although he spoke of the award as if it had been offered or given, he did not explicitly confirm whether he accepted or declined it.

However, official records do not list Arday among recipients in either the 2017 New Year’s or Birthday Honours lists. He also makes no reference to receiving an MBE in his forthcoming memoir, *Great and Unfortunate Things*, which details his rise in academia despite living with severe autism. The memoir is due to be published shortly and is expected to draw further attention amid the controversy surrounding him.

The podcast episode featuring his comments was removed from YouTube, and sources indicate Arday requested its deletion, citing unspecified security concerns. Attempts to obtain a direct comment from Arday on the matter have been unsuccessful.

In addition to the questions over the MBE, it emerged that Arday reportedly told another news outlet he expected to receive a £1.4 million advance for his memoir from his publisher, Simon & Schuster, though he did not clarify the currency or provide further details.

The developments have intensified debates around academic integrity and accountability, with Arday’s resignation marking a significant moment in a scandal that has attracted widespread attention. While some observers have focused on the plagiarism allegations and perceived inconsistencies in his public statements, others have highlighted the broader issues raised about race, recognition, and the intersection of personal values with institutional honours.