Some fans are not pleased that best-selling author James Patterson apologized for his comments on racism against white men, which they claim were accurate.
“My goodness it’s become so you can’t even speak, text, post without someone attacking you, there is no ‘let’s discuss the difference of opinion in a civilized manner,’” one person wrote in response to Patterson’s apology, which she shared on Facebook. “You don’t need to apologize. Your history and character speak for you, and you have nothing to explain to those who wish to twist it up.”
“I don’t think you need to apologize for saying the truth. Seems like someone will always look for a reason to be upset,” another chimed in.
“Way to bend to pressure. The left has forced their beliefs again,” a third agreed.
The 75-year-old author had initially faced backlash after expressing his opinion that white men had a harder time getting opportunities in modern times with such a focus on diversity in most industries.
Patterson told the U.K.’s Sunday Times that “white older male writers” aren’t getting hired for “writing gigs in film, theatre, TV or publishing” currently. He said this was “just another form of racism.”
“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,” the author continued.
Elsewhere in the interview, Times writer Sarah Baxter said it was “astounding to think” that Patterson’s “success as a young white author was founded on the character of a black detective,” while referencing his popular Alex Cross series.
“I just wanted to create a character who happened to be black,” Patterson replied. “I would not have tried to write a serious saga about a black family. It’s different in a detective story because plot is so important.”
It wasn’t long before Patterson issued a formal apology.
“I apologize for saying white male writers having trouble finding work is a form of racism,” the author tweeted and posted on Facebook Tuesday. “I absolutely do not believe that racism is practiced against white writers. Please know that I strongly support a diversity of voices being heard — in literature, in Hollywood, everywhere.”
While speaking with the U.K. Times, Patterson had said he’s opposed to celebrities “spouting off ignorantly about subjects they have gleaned off the internet.” The author clarified that he’s still “almost always on the side of free speech.”