Aboriginal children's book pulled over illustrator's Bondi attack comments
Summary
The University of Queensland Press (UQP) has stopped publishing an Indigenous children's book called Bila, A River Cycle because of controversial comments made by the book’s illustrator about a deadly shooting at Bondi Beach. The publisher is reviewing what to do with thousands of printed copies, and several well-known Australian writers have ended their relationships with UQP in protest.Key Facts
- UQP cancelled the publication of Bila, A River Cycle due to comments by illustrator Matt Chun regarding the Bondi Beach shooting.
- The Bondi shooting in December killed 15 people at a Jewish festival, including a local rabbi.
- Chun publicly criticized responses to the shooting and the Jewish group involved, which UQP said were hateful and violated its antisemitism policy.
- Thousands of printed copies of the book are currently in storage while UQP considers recycling options.
- The book’s author, Jazz Money, and illustrator Chun have acknowledged knowing about the cancellation for months.
- Several prominent Australian writers have cut ties with UQP in response, citing concerns about censorship.
- Jazz Money is an award-winning Indigenous poet who has received national accolades.
- UQP is a well-established publisher, founded in 1948, that publishes various types of books including poetry and fiction.
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