Taibbi was scheduled to appear as part of a publicity tour for his new book, I Can’t Breathe, about the 2014 police killing of Eric Garner.
In a statement, the library said it was made aware of certain controversial writings from Taibbi’s time in Moscow, during which he edited a satirical tabloid newspaper. Those writings, found in a book chronicling his experiences with co-editor Mark Ames, contained “graphic misogynistic imagery involving the sexual exploitation of women.”
“Mr. Taibbi has posted an apology for this work on Facebook, and an explanation for what he says was fictional satire rather than an account of real events. Unfortunately, the Library cannot ignore the misogynistic content of Mr. Taibbi’s previous work, and has decided to cancel the program,” the library said.
The library specified that the decision was unrelated to the subject of Taibbi’s new book and that I Can’t Breathe would be available for borrowing.
The graphic content in Taibbi’s Moscow writings first came up in an interview with NPR’s Robin Young at a book event October 25th. Taibbi apologized for the content, characterizing the behavior described as “reprehensible” but also “fictional and not true.” (This was complicated in the ensuing media furor by a note at the beginning of the book classifying it as a work of nonfiction.) Taibbi said he has never made “advances or sexually suggestive comments” to any co-worker ever.
Still, an author appearance in Washinton D.C. was canceled last week. And Taibbi himself, citing “scheduling demands,” canceled an appearance at a Chicago Humanities Festival on Oct. 28.
Taibbi’s full Facebook statement below.
This article appears in Nov 8-14, 2017.
Matt is a great writer, and his various political articles for Rolling Stone were terriffic. He is also a largely unfiltered writer (which I personally enjoy) so anyone looking for political correctness or even a sensitive approach to writing, is DEFINITELY going to be upset with him.
Mayy has apologized for the content he has his name on in Exile – but BANNING him from public speaking engagements is an over-reaction. Our President, last I looked, is able to get on poiums all over the world despite HIS highly questionable past writings and speeches.
The “satirical” book in question stated very clearly in the front that it was “a work of nonfiction” and that “all of the characters and events depicted in this book are real.” By calling it “satirical,” you’re falling for yet another one of his lies.
Ames and Taibbi did several interviews about that book from 2000-2005 and did not once use the word “satire.” In fact, Taibbi blamed his own “conspicuous moral deficiencies.” They only started backpedaling and calling it “satire” when people started holding their feet to the fire over it.
http://www.jimgoad.net/images/nonfiction.jpg