"Following an internal review, and in light of concerns raised about your social media presence, we've decided not to proceed with publishing your work in this issue. As a trauma-informed and inclusive publication, the Aftershock Review has a duty of care to ensure our contributors and readers feel safe and respected. This decision reflects our commitment to those principles and is final."
"A letter sent to ACE by solicitors representing the poet Abigail Ottley argues the public body failed to conduct a sufficient inquiry into the decision not to publish Ottley's poem made by the Aftershock Review, which the lawyers accuse of discrimination. Aftershock was launched last year by Max Wallis and received 32,368 from ACE in April 2025, and a further 60,000 on 28 January."
"Although we are unable to provide specific details of our review, I hope it is helpful to mention that the grant-holder confirmed that your poem was not withdrawn due to your gender-critical beliefs. ACE responded to Ottley's complaint, stating that it did not identify a breach of its terms and conditions of funding for grantees in Aftershock's decision-making."
Poet Abigail Ottley's solicitors have sent a legal letter to Arts Council England (ACE) claiming discrimination after the Aftershock Review withdrew her accepted poem from publication. The magazine, which received substantial ACE funding, cited concerns about Ottley's social media presence in its decision. Ottley requested clarification but received no explanation of which specific posts prompted the withdrawal. She filed a complaint with ACE in November, and the Freedom in the Arts organization also lodged a complaint. ACE's January response stated it found no breach of funding terms, though it did not provide specific details of its review. The case raises questions about editorial discretion, funding accountability, and potential discrimination based on social media activity.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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