An Australian publisher has scrapped a children's book due to comments made by the illustrator regarding the Bondi Beach shooting, which the publisher states violate its policy on antisemitism. This decision has led to multiple well-known Australian writers distancing themselves from The University of Queensland Press (UQP) and raising concerns over censorship.
Thousands of copies of the book, titled 'Bila, A River Cycle' and authored by poet Jazz Money with illustrations by Matt Chun, had already been printed. The controversy began when Chun published an essay in January critiquing public responses to the shooting at a Jewish festival on December 14—where fifteen people lost their lives.
In his essay, Chun criticized the Australian left for allegedly attempting to distance themselves from accusations of antisemitism and also expressed criticism towards the victims' associations with Israel’s military actions. The University of Queensland called Chun's remarks 'abhorrent and hateful,' asserting that they could not proceed with the publication while maintaining a respectable stance.
As a result, both Chun and Money have faced backlash, with Money declaring her relationship with UQP 'now over' and suggesting that the cancellation of 'Bila' sets a dangerous precedent for political discourse in literature.
Notably, several prominent authors, including Evelyn Araluen, and others have pledged to terminate their contracts with UQP due to its handling of the situation. The university has indicated that the printed copies are currently in storage while they consider recycling options.
The Australian police have also mentioned they are investigating Chun's comments in connection with hate speech, amid calls from the literary community for a deeper examination of free expression and censorship issues.
