Sir Philip Pullman was president of the society when Harris became chair, but resigned in 2022,[1] stating that he 'would not be free to state his opinion' if he remained in position[2] and later [3] criticising Harris for her 'facetious and flippant public comments'.[4] [5] In August 2022, shortly after the knife attack on author Salman Rushdie,[6] Harris placed a poll about death threats on Twitter/X for fellow authors which some found inappropriate . Harris changed the wording of the poll and, following criticism to the contrary, stated that it had 'nothing to do with JK Rowling'.[7] Rowling then stated[8] that Harris was more widely failing to defend authors,[9] citing the cases of 'cancelled' writers Gillian Phillip/Erin Hunter and Rachel Rooney.[10] In response, Harris stated that this was a 'fabricated' row based on animus about her views.[11] Following continued discussion including comments from former Chair Antony Beevor,[12] and author Kate Clanchy[5],[13] and criticism[14][15] of Harris for failing to support free speech[16], a motion was created for the Annual General Meeting of November 2022 asking Harris to resign.[4] This motion was defeated.[17]
- ^ "News | The Society of Authors". societyofauthors.org. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ Shaffi, Sarah (25 March 2022). "'I would not be free to express my opinion': Philip Pullman steps down as Society of Authors president". The Guardian. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
- ^ "Ex-Society of Authors president Pullman calls for external review of organisation". The Bookseller. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ a b Urwin, Rosamund (8 January 2024). "Rival writers' camps in free speech showdown". Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ a b Sanderson, David (7 January 2024). "War of words between authors Joanne Harris and Kate Clanchy is investigated". Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ Johnston, Neil (8 January 2024). "Police investigate JK Rowling threat as writers fear for freedom after attack on Salman Rushdie". Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ "Society of Authors and Harris defend stance on threats and free speech after author criticism". The Bookseller. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ "JK Rowling in 'betrayal' row with authors' society chair Joanne Harris". BBC News. 16 August 2022. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ Wade, Mike (7 January 2024). "JK Rowling attacks Chocolat author over 'betrayal' in gender row".
- ^ Walsh, Joani (8 January 2024). "Rachel Rooney's children's book, My Body is Me, labelled 'anti‑trans extremism'". Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ Wade, Mike (8 January 2024). "JK Rowling's gender row part of fabricated culture war, says Chocolat author Joanne Harris". Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ Kerridge, Jake (27 September 2022). "How the Society of Authors succumbed to groupthink". The Telegraph. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ Urwin, Rosamund (8 January 2024). "Rival writers' camps in free speech showdown". Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ Bindel, Julie (2022-11-23). "It's time to replace the Society of Authors". The Spectator. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
- ^ Iqbal, Jawad (2024-01-15). "Society of Authors needs leader free of 'double speak'". ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
- ^ Sanderson, David (2024-01-15). "Writers urge Joanne Harris to quit as Society of Authors chief". ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
- ^ Sherwood, Harriet; Taylor, Harry; Arts, Harriet Sherwood; correspondent, culture (17 November 2022). "Joanne Harris sees off vote to oust her from Society of Authors role". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 January 2024.