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
At least 17 people died in Florida after medics injected sedatives during encounters with police
At least 17 people died in Florida over a decade following a physical encounter with police during w2024-04-27Queen Mary and King Frederik slammed for 'unprofessional' approach over the Easter long weekend
The Danish royal family has come under fire over their 'unprofessional' way of ruling over the Easte2024-04-27- One of Italy's most well-known bridges that has survived allied bombs, devastating floods and 700 ye2024-04-27
Kanye West's ex Julia Fox gives Bianca Censori a run for her money in an X
She has made a career out of shocking the nation with her outlandish, nearly naked outfits.Yet Julia2024-04-27Moment passenger has huge foul
This is the moment a Delta passenger has a huge meltdown at LAX - only to realize she's screaming at2024-04-27Video of kids playing chicken with train on Ngāruawāhia bridge highlights ongoing problem
Danger signs at the rail bridge at Ngāruawāhia. Photo: RNZ / Andrew McRae2024-04-27
atest comment