James Patterson apologises for comments about white male writers facing 'racism'

One of the world's most successful and popular authors has had to apologise after making comments about how it is hard for white men to get writing gigs in film, theatre, TV or publishing.

James Patterson faced widespread criticism after making the comments which suggest white males have it hard finding work in the industry.

The comments were just simply incorrect as white males dominate the bestsellers lists for authors and the publishing industry.

Data has shown that in 2021 just four of the top 50 bestselling books of the year were written by non-white authors.

The 75 year old in response to the backlash has tweeted that he does not believe his claims: "I apologise for saying white male writers having trouble finding work is a form of racism."

The numbers really do show how the landscape of the publishing industry is overwhelmingly white and a self audit by Penguin Random House between 2019-2021 shows this.

It found that a staggering 74.9% of its contributors in that time period of 2019-2021 were white with only 6% black and 5% Hispanic or Latinx.

Even within the workforce the diversity is poor with 74.2% of its employees are white.

Other authors have taken to social media to complain and offer their views about Patterson's comments including Roxane Gay.

Jason Pinter has also taken to Twitter to express how 'hurtful' Patterson's comments are.

There are plenty more that have expressed their opinion against Patterson's and it caused a whirlwind of posts from people on social media.

READERS: Will you be buying any more James Patterson books after these comments?

• Yes
• No