Hugh Bonneville has been forced to apologize after making flippant comments about being “contractually obligated” to write a children’s book.
The actor, best known for his roles in Downton Abbey and Paddington, told BBC Radio 2 that his decision to write a children’s book was simply fulfilling what he jokingly called a celebrity “obligation”.
Bonneville, 60, said: “Anyone who has been on television now has it in their contract that they have to write a children’s book.” So I am fulfilling that obligation.”
The father-of-one added that he was still in the early stages of the project, admitting: “A couple of illustrators have suggested ideas, and that helps with the writing, because I don’t have any ideas.”
His comments were met with swift reaction from both established authors and the broader literary community, many of whom felt that his comments trivialized the hard work and dedication required to write for children.
Hugh Bonneville has been forced to apologize after making flippant comments about being “contractually obligated” to write a children’s book.
The actor, best known for his roles in Downton Abbey and Paddington, told BBC Radio 2 that his decision to write a children’s book was simply fulfilling what he jokingly called a celebrity “obligation”.
“How nice it must be to put the minimum amount of effort into something that guarantees success,” wrote one book award judge.
‘What a lack of respect for all the brilliant, hard-working children’s authors and illustrators who put their heart and soul into creating stories for children, and barely make an impact. Come on @BBCRadio2, do it better.”
Many in the publishing world expressed frustration at what they saw as a growing sense of entitlement among famous writers.
Author Tamsin Winter described the comments as “soul destroying”, adding: “Many of us real authors put our hearts and souls into writing books for young people, with very little reward other than knowing we are reaching readers. that our stories need. ‘
SF Said, author of Varjak Pawanother and winner of the Nestlé Smarties Book Award, shared his dismay: ‘Children’s books are THE MOST IMPORTANT BOOKS OF ALL!
“They are the ones who make us readers in the first place, and shape us most deeply.
“Some of us have dedicated our lives to them, so it is distressing to see them still being talked about in such a dismissive way.”
In response to the backlash, Bonneville, who wrote his 2022 memoir Playing Under the Piano, apologized to X.
Bonneville, 60, said: “Anyone who has been on television now has it in their contract that they have to write a children’s book.” So I am fulfilling that obligation.” The dad-of-one added: “A couple of illustrators have suggested ideas and that helps with the writing because I don’t have any ideas.”
His comments were met with swift reaction from both established authors and the broader literary community, many of whom felt that his comments trivialized the hard work and dedication required to write for children.
“Please do not blame Radio 2 for my flippant comment, which was in no way intended to denigrate full-time authors,” he wrote.
“Believe me, I’m putting my heart and soul into the project.”
The Notting Hill star added that his intention had been to “get me off my back and out of the weirdness of the writing universe.”
“I apologize,” he said.
Despite his apology, many critics, including children’s book author Ross Wellford, remained unconvinced.
“I, too, am ‘contractually obligated’ to write a children’s book,” Wellford wrote.
‘It’s called a ‘book deal’ with my publisher and it’s my only job. Maybe I should “enjoy” appearing in a movie as Paddington’s father?
Other authors also expressed frustration.
Clare Swatman responded: ‘Well said. Absolutely infuriating and insulting.”
Many in the publishing world expressed frustration at what they saw as a growing sense of entitlement among famous writers.
While children’s book author Dan Smith said: “What the hell?” This is very depressing.’
Bonneville responded directly to Swatman: ‘Please listen to the interview.
‘I was getting rid of my fear of myself and the strangeness of the publishing world. I take my writing as seriously as any other published author.’
Author Carole Solazzo was among those who found Bonneville’s comments disappointing, writing: ‘I am very disappointed in @hughbon. What a shameful attitude! Just another celebrity cashing in.
Bonneville responded: ‘Hi Carole, I hope one day you listen to the interview and realize I was getting rid of my fear of myself and the strange world of publishing.
“As with my first book, I take writing seriously and try to do the best I can.”
