Kathy Griffin, Chrissy Metz, and Susan Kelechi Watson Join Illustrious Lineup of PEN America’s 2019 LitFest Gala in LA
“We could not be more excited to have Kathy Griffin and Chrissy Metz joining our LitFest Gala lineup this year. These incredible women have both used their voices to… More
Exiled Iranian Dissident and Journalist Lured Back to Iran, Detained
“The reported detention of Rouhollah Zam is another case of the Iranian government silencing and punishing any form of dissent, as reflected by the widespread recent crackdown on journalists,… More
PEN America Launches Six New Regional Chapters, Expanding Nationwide Reach
“At a time of exceptional threats to free expression and open discourse, our chapters will bring years of mobilization, activism and organizing among writing communities across the country to… More
PEN America Welcomes Suspended Prison Sentence to Free Russian Actor Pavel Ustinov
"We welcome the verdict revising Pavel Ustinov's sentence, and are relieved to see him out of jail and free to return to his life and work. However, although a… More
PEN America: Book Burning at Georgia College is Disturbing
"It is deeply disturbing to see a group of students engaged in this kind of conduct,” said Jonathan Friedman, director of the campus free speech project at PEN America. … More
PEN America to Honor “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” and “Unbelievable” at 11/1/19 Litfest Gala in Los Angeles
In what is expected to be an incredibly poignant moment during the ceremony, actor, author, and reading and education advocate LeVar Burton will deliver a tribute to the legendary… More
Statement: Deep Regret Over the Choice of Peter Handke for the 2019 Nobel Prize in Literature
"We reject the decision that a writer who has persistently called into question thoroughly documented war crimes deserves to be celebrated for his 'linguistic ingenuity.' At a moment of… More
Statement: Protesters Should Have Allowed Homeland Secretary Chief to Proceed with Talk
“Protests cross the line when they constitute a ‘heckler’s veto,’ preventing someone else’s speech and curtailing the rights of those who came to listen." More
Statement: Reports the National Enquirer Is Trying to Curb Publication of Ronan Farrow Book
"Threatening a libel suit for a book that has not yet been released--and which Howard appears not to have read--is not only absurd but a reprehensible attempt at censorship. That this threat… More
Cameroonian Rapper Valsero Released After Nearly Nine Months of Detention
We are overjoyed that Valsero is finally free to reunite with his family and make music in peace. More