Eric Migicovsky

A Statement Regarding the Cancellation of My Nashville Book Launch: On Sunday, July 26, Bell Bird Books communicated it no longer felt it could continue promoting either me or my upcoming Nashville book launch for White. Blonde. Jew. Two days later on July 28th, the bookstore informed my literary agent that it was canceling my book launch. On July 29th, less than 24 hours after canceling the Aug. 20 event, Bell Bird Books provided statements to The Tennessean expressing support for the event, even though it had already canceled it. I was never contacted by the Tennessean for comment. On Thursday, July 30, Bell Bird Books removed the event announcement from Instagram, deleting all public mention of my book launch without issuing any public statement that the event had been canceled. Rather than informing readers and ticket holders, Bell Bird Books deleted the post. As a proud Jewish author who values free speech and who strongly believes in the power of words to change hearts and minds - and as someone who has always supported independent booksellers - I’m saddened and deeply disappointed at the state of affairs that led to my cancellation. This entire episode raises important questions about whether our society truly values the First Amendment, freedom of speech, and the ability of authors to express controversial or unpopular views without being cancelled for them. There is no crime in being proudly Jewish. There’s nothing wrong with condemning antisemitism and extremism. These topics shouldn’t be controversial - they should be openly and freely discussed. When bookstores cancel authors under pressure from activists, they are silencing speech and making a mockery of the First Amendment. Worse, they are rejecting the American tradition of giving writers the freedom to discuss and defend their opinions in the public square. Jewish authors should have the freedom to participate in the marketplace of ideas without organized pressure campaigns seeking to silence us, and institutions and businesses should have the courage to stand up to public pressure. My book, ‘White. Blonde. Jew.’ is a call to reject extremism, defend intellectual freedom, and reclaim the center at a time when intimidation is increasing and meaningful conversation is abandoned. My book delivers an important message for our increasingly divisive times. No business that pretends to give a voice to all points of view should kowtow to the bigots who would silence an author because of her religion or her strongly held beliefs. A new Nashville venue - and, if necessary, a new date - will be announced shortly. All ticket holders will receive refunds, and I look forward to gathering with those who lead with curiosity and who believe ideas should be met with discussion. I remain committed to this conversation, and it is far from over.