Woody Allen's Book Was Dropped By Its Publisher After Days of Protest
Woody Allen's memoir has been dropped by publisher Hachette, four days after news of its release drew protest.
"Hachette Book Group has decided that it will not publish Woody Allen’s memoir Apropos of Nothing, originally scheduled for sale in April 2020, and will return all rights to the author," the publishing company said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.
My statement on the disappointing and, frankly shocking, news from @HachetteUS today. pic.twitter.com/h0zuAi0T7l
— Dylan Farrow (@RealDylanFarrow) March 3, 2020
Her brother, Ronan Farrow – whose 2019 book, Catch and Kill, was also published by Hachette – said in a statement, "I was disappointed to learn through press reports that Hachette, my publisher, acquired Woody Allen’s memoir after other major publishers refused to do so, and concealed the decision from me and its own employees while we were working on Catch and Kill — a book about how powerful men, including Woody Allen, avoid accountability for sexual abuse."
He added, "I’ve also told Hachette that a publisher that would conduct itself in this way is one I can’t work with in good conscience."
On Thursday, Hachette employees staged a walkout at the company's New York City offices to protest the memoir.
Hachette said in their statement Friday that "the decision to cancel Mr. Allen’s book was a difficult one. At HBG we take our relationships with authors very seriously, and do not cancel books lightly... Over the past few days, HBG leadership had extensive conversations with our staff and others. After listening, we came to the conclusion that moving forward with publication would not be feasible for HBG."
Allen has not yet responded to the news.
