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
Company wins court ruling to continue development of Michigan factory serving EV industry
GREEN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A judge has ordered a Michigan community to stop blocking efforts to br2024-05-21- Jay Leno and his wife of nearly 44 years, Mavis Nicholson Leno, enjoyed a date night at the Hollywoo2024-05-21
US college protests: Over 2,000 arrested during pro
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Police have arrested nearly 2,200 people during pro-Palestinian protests at colle2024-05-21Maradona's children want to transfer his body from cemetery to a mausoleum
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Children of the late soccer star Diego Maradona have asked a court in2024-05-21With Djokovic awaiting the winner, Murray trails Hanfmann at rain
GENEVA (AP) — Needing a win to face Novak Djokovic next at the Geneva Open, Andy Murray was saved by2024-05-21Bayer Leverkusen's record unbeaten march continues with a 2
ROME (AP) — An imposing stadium in a major foreign capital did nothing to stop Bayer Leverkusen’s re2024-05-21
atest comment