Sherman Alexie apologizes amid sexual allegations
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, inappropriate remarks and threats against fellow American Indians. They appear to have first appeared publicly 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 anonymous accusations, including one that mentioned him by name.
The Seattle Times reported Alexie’s response in which he did not address any specific complaints but did say 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.
“By my count, there are now over 20 women who are accusing him of harassment,” she wrote.