Distribution of Philip Roth biography ceased, biographer accused of sexual misconduct

Distribution and promotion of author Philip Roth’s authorized biography has been temporarily suspended because the book’s author, Blake Bailey, 57, has been accused of sexual misconduct by former students. Publisher WW Norton announced to US media on Wednesday as The New York Times.

Two women accuse Bailey of sexual assault. One of the two incidents was said to have been fairly recent, in 2015. In addition, women say he behaved inappropriately towards high school students when he was a teacher in the 1990s.

The publisher acted quickly. “These allegations are serious,” the publisher said in a statement. “This is why we have decided to distribute and promote Philip Roth, the biography pending the information that can now emerge. Bailey denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations “categorically false and defamatory” NOW. The author also disagrees with the decision to stop the promotion, his lawyer told the same newspaper.

Also read this notice: Dramatic relationships, broken friendships and a procession of mistresses: the life of Philip Roth

Roth request

Bailey was hired by Roth in 2012 to write his biography after the novelist ended his collaboration with another biographer. For the biography, Blake Bailey spent years studying Roth’s personal records, interviewing him with his (ex) relatives and friends. Blake has previously written the biographies of John Cheever and Richard Yates and has won several awards for his work, including the National Book Critics Circle Award.

Dutch translation of biography completed De Bezige Bij released. This publisher said Thursday that it supports the content of the book, that for this reason it will be “delivered as planned”. De Bezige Bij emphasizes that he is aware of the “complexity and pain in such a sensitive issue of sexual abuse” and that he is in discussion on “our role and our responsibility as editor”.