The publishing house St. Martin’s Press has come under fire for reportedly sending unsolicited and potentially harmful promotional items, including a sex toy, to influencers in a bid to promote Casey McQuiston’s book, The Pairing. The allegations were made by the influencer group, Readers for Accountability, which has called for an immediate overhaul of the publisher’s promotional strategies and demanded a public apology.
Adding to the publisher’s woes, this is not the first controversy the house has been involved in. Previously, St. Martin’s Press was accused of ignoring complaints about alleged racist, Islamophobic, and anti-Palestinian remarks by a marketing team member. The accusations, which were brought to light by the influential watchdog group Readers for Accountability in December 2023, led to a massive public outcry and severely damaged the reputation of the publisher.
The poor handling of these allegations by St. Martin’s Press has led to a mounting boycott campaign, #SpeakUpSMP, spearheaded by the Readers for Accountability group. The campaign demands transparency, a clear stance against discrimination and respect for the rights of influencers, authors, and employees.
So far, St. Martin’s Press’s silence on these issues has exacerbated public frustration.
St. Martin’s Press facing discrimination and promotional controversies
This added to an online petition demanding the publishing firm’s accountability, collecting approximately 10,000 signatures, and the mounting pressure from social media campaigns. Legal experts are now speculating on the publisher’s potential consequences if they fail to rectify the situation promptly and decisively.
In response to the ongoing controversy, St. Martin’s Press has issued a public statement committing to diversity, condemning racism, including Islamophobia and antisemitism, and pledging to ensure privacy and mutual respect. They have reiterated their dedication to fostering sensitivity and providing a platform for marginalized voices.
Despite the dissent, St. Martin’s Press maintains that an internal investigation into the accusations found no supporting evidence. The publisher pledges to cement their commitment to inclusivity, respect, and safety by implementing robust steps to address such situations promptly and fairly, which includes a revamp of their policies and an increased focus on open internal communication.
St. Martin’s Press ends by reasserting their commitment to create a supportive environment that encourages diversity in literature, promising to stand firmly by their principles despite the allegations they face.
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