PEN America cancels World Voices Festival amid criticism of its response to Israel
NEW YORK (AP) — PEN America has canceled its annual World Voices Festival, as the literary and free expression organization continues to face widespread unhappiness with its response to the Israel-Hamas war. Earlier this week, PEN called off its awards ceremony after nearly half of the finalists withdrew from contention.
The festival, which brings in writers from around the world, was to have taken place next month in New York and Los Angeles. PEN CEO Suzanne Nossel expressed regret over the cancellation, saying it contrasted with why Salman Rushdie among others established the festival 20 years ago.
Naomi Klein, Michelle Alexander, Hisham Matar and dozens of other writers endorsed an open letter in March saying they would not participate in the festival.
“PEN America exists to unite writers in defense of free expression. The premise of World Voices is to engage across wide chasms of worldview and belief, including fostering direct conversation between and among those who disagree profoundly,” Nossel said in a statement Friday.
Related articles
Joe Burrow is throwing again as the Bengals' franchise QB rehabs his surgically repaired wrist
CINCINNATI (AP) — Joe Burrow threw some crisp passes in a team workout Tuesday and said rehabbing hi2024-05-08Tim Macindoe confirmed as Hamilton's East ward councillor
Tim Macindoe Photo: RNZ /Dom Thomas2024-05-08Chinese satellite launch sparks 'missile' fears in Taiwan
A satellite is launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in China's Sichuan province; an alert w2024-05-08Kamala Harris blames Trump for abortion ban in Arizona
By Ted Hesson and Trevor Hunnicutt, for ReutersUS Vice President Kamala Harris speaks on reproductiv2024-05-08Rachel Reeves hints Labour's 'anti
Rachel Reeves has hinted that Labour's flagship workers' rights package could be watered down as Kei2024-05-08Two dead, three critically injured after 100 people brawl in Gisborne
The incident happened in the Gisborne suburb of Elgin. (file image) Photo: RNZ / Tom Kitchin2024-05-08
atest comment