Alexie apologizes following accusations of misconduct
SEATTLE — Sherman Alexie, one of the country’s most prominent authors, issued an apology Wednesday amid multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.
“Over the years, I have done things that have harmed other people, including those I love most deeply,” Alexie said in a statement released to The Seattle Times late Wednesday. “To those whom I have hurt, I genuinely apologize. I am so sorry.”
Allegations against Alexie have been vague, referring to unwanted advances and inappropriate remarks and to threats against fellow American Indians. They appear to have first appeared in anonymous comments in a January School Library Journal post about sexual harassment in the children’s book industry. The article did not mention Alexie, but the comments thread had at least five accusations; one mentioned him by name.
The Seattle Times reported Alexie’s response, in which he said he has “no recollection of physically or verbally threatening anybody or their careers.”
Alexie’s critics include author Litsa Dremousis, who tweeted she’d known about the allegations against him for months.
Dremousis and Alexie have acknowledged that they were in a sexual relationship while he was married.
The School Library Journal’s comment thread also include numerous allegations against Maze Runner author James Dashner and Thirteen Reasons Why writer Jay Asher. Both have been dropped by their literary agents and Dashner’s publisher, Penguin Random House, cut ties with him.
Alexie’s literary agent, Nancy Stauffer Cahoon, has not responded to requests for comment.
Alexie’s publisher, Hachette Book Group, referred questions Thursday to Alexie’s comments.