Stars Defend Author Sally Rooney Against UK Book Ban
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Actors Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones, along with other artists, are defending author Sally Rooney after her books were removed from sale in the UK. The books were pulled due to Rooney's intention to donate royalties to Palestine Action, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the UK government. The signatories argue this action infringes on freedom of expression and call for the government to reverse its decision.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Prominent artists signed a letter defending author Sally Rooney against UK book sales ban.
- Rooney's books were removed from UK sale due to her support for Palestine Action.
- Palestine Action is a pro-Palestinian group designated as a terrorist organization by the UK.
- Signatories argue the ban infringes on freedom of expression and reject censorship.
- Rooney had previously supported the cultural boycott of Israel (BDS).
A group of prominent artists and actors, including Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones, have signed an open letter to the UK government protesting the removal of author Sally Rooney's books from sale. The signatories, who starred in the television adaptation of Rooney's bestseller "Normal People," are defending the Irish author, stating, "Sally Rooney is a writer, not a terrorist." The letter argues that removing her books based on anti-terrorism legislation is an attack on freedom of expression.
The books were reportedly removed from sale in the UK because Rooney intended to donate her royalties to Palestine Action, an organization the UK government has designated as a terrorist group. Palestine Action was outlawed in the UK in 2025 for property damage and has focused on disrupting military equipment supplies to Israel, including a 2020 breach of an Elbit factory in England.
Rooney, a prominent figure in the cultural boycott of Israel movement (BDS), had previously refused to sell translation rights to Israeli publishers not meeting BDS criteria. However, she agreed in May to have her latest novel, "Intermezzo," published in Hebrew by November Books, provided the publisher did not operate in settlements, receive government funding, and recognized the right of return.
Rooney's UK and Irish publisher, Faber, stated that current UK legislation prevents them from transferring royalties to her, leading to the books being pulled from shelves. The open letter, published in the British magazine New Statesman, also includes signatories like actors Jessie Buckley, Susan Sarandon, and Tilda Swinton, director Lenny Abrahamson, director Jonathan Glazer, author Irwin Welsh, and musician Robert Del Naja from the band Massive Attack, as well as the Irish pro-Palestinian band " "$$Nakhla$$". The signatories "unequivocally reject direct or indirect censorship" and urge the government to reconsider its actions.
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