The Publishing World's Changing Attitude Toward Cancel Culture
There are signs that the publishing industry, once dominated by woke critics and the heirs of cultural watchdogs, may be shifting away from cancel culture and identity politics toward a more open and reasonable approach.
Kate Clanchy's Controversial Cancellation
Kate Clanchy, a celebrated author, faced a harsh cancellation in 2021 during the post-BLM cultural tensions. Her memoir, Some Kids I Taught and What They Taught Me, about her teaching experience at an Oxford comprehensive school, was labeled racist. Following the backlash, her longtime publisher, Picador, ended their relationship with her in 2022.
Apology and Reconciliation
After a BBC Radio 4 series examined Clanchy's public reputation damage, Pan Macmillan—Picador's parent company—issued a formal apology. They described the cancellation as a "regrettable series of events in Pan Macmillan’s past."
“I’m sorry for the hurt that was caused to Kate Clanchy,” said Pan Macmillan CEO Joanna Prior.
Impact of the Apology
Although this apology comes late, it acknowledges the unjust treatment Clanchy endured during her encounter with cancel culture, which was particularly harsh and unwarranted.
Author's summary: The publishing industry is slowly moving away from cancel culture, as shown by Pan Macmillan's apology for the unfair treatment of author Kate Clanchy during her 2021 cancellation.