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Bestselling author James Patterson apologized following backlash for a comment he made in an interview in which he argued older White male writers faced “another form of racism” to find work in the entertainment industry.
On Tuesday, he walked back his remark and wrote in a Facebook post:
"I apologize for saying White male writers having trouble finding work is a form of racism."
"I absolutely do not believe that racism is practiced against White writers."
The 75-year-old multimillionaire is known for his Alex Cross, Michael Bennett and Women's Murder Club thriller series. His net worth was estimated as somewhere between $560 - $800 million in June 2022.
Patterson previously spoke with the Sunday Times and expressed concern it was "hard for White men to get writing gigs in film, theatre, TV or publishing."
Patterson identified the supposed problem as “just another form of racism."
He added:
"What’s that all about? Can you get a job? Yes."
"Is it harder? Yes. It’s even harder for older writers."
"You don’t meet many 52-year-old White males.”
\u201cBest-selling novelist James Patterson has apologized for saying older white male writers face racism, adding that he supports 'a diversity of voices being heard.' https://t.co/frQBiFjJrm\u201d— Entertainment Weekly (@Entertainment Weekly) 1655241904
Twitter found it difficult to accept Patterson's apology.
\u201cThis is inexcusable. Another #oldwhiteman crying #racism and claiming #disadvantages #whitereplacementtheory #WTF Shame on @JP_Books James Patterson Apologizes for Claiming White Writers Face Racism https://t.co/abfte6Ng2i\u201d— Debbie Gr \u262e\ufe0f (@Debbie Gr \u262e\ufe0f) 1655309128
\u201cWhen the fuck are #angryoldwhitemen going to #STFU They are not victims! There is no #WRTIsNotReal it was dreamed up by WHINY OLD WHITE MEN. James Patterson Apologizes for Claiming White Writers Face Racism https://t.co/abfte6Ng2i\u201d— Debbie Gr \u262e\ufe0f (@Debbie Gr \u262e\ufe0f) 1655309782
\u201ccomment first, apologize later; then someone else makes the same kind of comment, the same sounding apologies follow. The cycle never ends, things never change. https://t.co/kC6mPszXDA\u201d— anuradha kumar (@anuradha kumar) 1655309064
Social media users aware of the established author's privilege scoffed at his claim and were quick to point out his net worth.
\u201cJames Patterson has a net worth of over 700 million dollars meanwhile BIPOC in publishing are still struggling to pay their rent and working for well under a living wage but please tell me again how racism is hurting older white men in the industry\u201d— Leah says WEAR A MASK (@Leah says WEAR A MASK) 1655093851
\u201cThis is why the highest paid writer in the world is a black woman, right? No? It's still James Patterson?\u201d— James S.A. Corey (@James S.A. Corey) 1655092193
\u201cJames Patterson sold his own damn name to a factory of writers but wants to claim white guys like him are discriminated against lmao\u201d— Omar Sakr (@Omar Sakr) 1655094097
\u201cAll I'll say about James Patterson is that his idea that cis white male authors are discriminated against/losing out, despite his continued success, is directly related to the replacement theory driving white supremacy, anti-trans laws, roe v wade, and everything else going on.\u201d— Alyssa Cole Updates (@Alyssa Cole Updates) 1655131625
\u201cJames Patterson saying white males aren\u2019t getting writing gigs because of racism, reminds me of a line from my own book, self published since I am NOT a privileged white male: When you\u2019ve never been invisible and voiceless, it\u2019s easy to assume you were meant to be seen and heard.\u201d— Cyrus McQueen (@Cyrus McQueen) 1655150558
With over 200 titles and more than 400 million copies of his books sold, Patterson holds the distinction of having the largest number of books by a single author on The New York Times bestseller list.
However, he is frowned upon by literary critics for having his collaborators pen many of his novels.
Due to his impressive production rate, Patterson co-authors most of his novels—a process that involves him handing a rough outline of the plot and characters to a writer who fleshes out the novel with details overseen and approved by Patterson.
Many critics compare his process to that of a showrunner, who is the leading producer on a TV show overseeing the writing and production of each episode.
Some users slammed the author for not writing his own books.
\u201cGood morning to everyone except James Patterson, who is crying about "reverse racism" in publishing while having a multi-million dollar net worth and never actually writing any of his books himself.\u201d— Bluestocking Bookworm (@Bluestocking Bookworm) 1655121972
\u201cJames Patterson of all people. First of all, write your own books, pal.\u201d— roxane gay (@roxane gay) 1655148634
Patterson concluded his statement of apology by asserting he strongly supports "a diversity of voices being heard–in literature, in Hollywood, everywhere."