Topline
The powerful publishing house Simon & Schuster announced Thursday it would not be distributing a book authored by one of the Louisville police officers who shot Breonna Taylor during a raid that led to her death, a decision poised to reignite controversy over the roles of publishing houses in “cancel culture”
Key Facts
Simon & Schuster, one of the U.S.’ largest book publishers, said it only learned about the book at the same time as most of the American public on Thursday, when the Louisville Courier Journal broke the story.
“We have subsequently decided not to be involved in the distribution of this book,” the company said.
The book—written by Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly and titled “The Fight for Truth: The Inside Story Behind the Breonna Taylor Tragedy”—is set to be published by Post Hill Press, the Louisville Courier Journal reported, a small, conservative press that distributes books through Simon & Schuster.
It is not yet clear how the publication giant’s decision will impact the book’s publication.
Chief Critic
In a statement to The Associated Press, Post Hill Press said it supports its authors’ right to free speech. Mattingly “deserves to have his account of the tragic events heard publicly,” the publisher said.
Key Background
There was swift backlash against the book on social media following its announcement, with authors and activists criticizing the publishing house for its role. It is not the first time Simon & Schuster has been embroiled in controversy over publishing decisions, which, unlike distribution, it has far greater control over. In the wake of the Capitol riots in January, the publishing giant cancelled a book by the U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) saying it could no longer “support Senator Hawley after his role in what became a dangerous threat to our democracy and freedom.” Conservatives condemned the move as a product of “cancel culture”, which Hawley described as “Orwellian.”
Further Reading
Six Dr. Seuss Books Won’t Be Published Due To ‘Hurtful And Wrong’ Racist Images (Forbes)
Publishing company Simon & Schuster won’t distribute wounded cop’s book on Breonna Taylor (Louisville Courier Journal)
Outrage In Louisville After Breonna Taylor Decision (Forbes)
Simon & Schuster Cancels Sen. Josh Hawley’s Book After Riots (Forbes)
