Sally Rooney Books Pulled From UK Sale Over Terror Group Support
Translated & summarized from N12 by baba
Author Sally Rooney's books will no longer be sold in the UK after she declared she would continue donating proceeds to Palestine Action, a group designated as a terror organization by the UK. Rooney stated that selling her books could constitute a "serious criminal offense." Her publisher, Faber, agreed to the halt, citing legal restrictions on transferring royalties. Digital versions are already removed, though existing physical stock may still be sold. The decision comes amid the UK's ban on Palestine Action for alleged property damage.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Sally Rooney's books will cease sales in the UK due to her support for Palestine Action.
- Rooney stated continued sales could be a "serious criminal offense" under UK law.
- Publisher Faber agreed to the halt, citing inability to transfer royalties to Rooney.
- Palestine Action was designated a terror group by the UK government in 2025.
- Rooney is a prominent figure in the cultural boycott movement against Israel (BDS).
Irish author Sally Rooney announced that her books will no longer be sold in the United Kingdom due to her support for the pro-Palestinian organization Palestine Action, which has been designated a terror group by the UK. Rooney stated that continuing to sell her works could be considered a "serious criminal offense." She has pledged to continue donating proceeds from her writing to Palestine Action, even though such support is illegal in the UK. Rooney explained that she has been transparent about her beliefs and is prepared to face the consequences.
Her publisher, Faber, confirmed the decision, stating that current UK legislation prevents them from transferring royalties to Rooney from sales within the UK. "To sell a writer's work and not be able to transfer the proceeds to them is an unacceptable situation for a publishing house," Faber said in a statement to the BBC. The publisher added that they remain proud to publish Rooney's "exceptional body of work" and will continue to sell it in other territories.
Digital versions of Rooney's books, including "Normal People," "Conversations with Friends," and "Beautiful World, Where Are You," have already been removed from sale in the UK. Physical copies already in stock at bookstores can still be sold, according to the British bookseller Waterstones. Rooney, who has sold over six million books globally, previously canceled a trip to the UK to receive an award due to fears of arrest.
Palestine Action was outlawed and designated a terror organization by the UK government in 2025, cited for its history of property damage, including campaigns against arms companies involved in the Gaza war. Huda Ammori, founder of Palestine Action, called Rooney's stance "brave and principled" and described the removal of her books as a "new low in the escalating attack on freedom of expression."
Rooney, 35, has been a prominent figure in the cultural boycott movement against Israel (BDS) and has previously refused translation rights for publishers not meeting the movement's demands. She agreed to the Hebrew publication of her book by "November Books" in May, stating the publisher does not operate in settlements, receive government funding, and recognizes the right of return.
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