Crime fiction festival apologises after host’s ‘outdated and offensive’ comments

The organisers of a crime fiction festival in Bristol have apologised for “hurtful and discomforting” comments made during the event.

Attendees of CrimeFest took to social media to criticise the event host’s speech, with one person saying they were “shocked and saddened” by the “outdated and offensive” nature of it.

Others called the speech “inappropriate”, with another saying it “sounded as though it was written in the last century”.

Peter Guttridge, the host, declined to respond to the criticism when contacted by Bristol24/7. But he did address the matter on social media, writing he was “bemused” by it.

CrimeFest has apologised “wholeheartedly” after comments made by the event’s host sparked outcry – photo: CrimeFest

The annual crime fiction convention brings together writers and fans from around the world, taking place at the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel.

But the organisers have apologised “wholeheartedly” for some of the comments made at this year’s event, which ran from Thursday to Sunday.

In a statement, the organisers said: “We pride ourselves on our inclusivity and desire for equality and diversity, both as individuals and within the crime fiction genre.

“We want to create a space and a forum where people can come together and discuss crime fiction in all its forms in a way which is supportive, encouraging, honest and respectful and we hope that the panels we programmed enabled these discussions to take place.

“We are, of course, not able to – nor would we want to – curtail the freedom of speech of anyone who comes to CrimeFest but, while we are not responsible for the words of individuals who are speaking, we acknowledge that this happened at our event and that people were upset and felt uncomfortable.

“We can assure you that we take this very much to heart and feel deeply sorry and disappointed that something that has taken place at CrimeFest has caused offence and hurt to people in our beloved crime fiction community.”

Comments about the event on social media are mainly critical of the speech made by the toastmaster, Peter Guttridge, an author and chair of literary festivals.

According to writer Finn Longman, who attended the event, the speech explored issues such as classic and children’s literature, sensitivity readers and the Roald Dahl estate.

TV journalist Roger Corke, who also attended the event, wrote on Twitter: “I thought I was one of the least woke people I know until I heard that speech. People may get offended too quickly these days but that speech sounded as though it was written in the last century and was really inappropriate.”

Crime fiction advisor Graham Bartlett added: “I was at the dinner where I was shocked and saddened by the toastmaster’s speech which was outdated and offensive. I raised it with the organisers the next day who took my comments on board wholeheartedly.”

And novelist Elly Griffiths said: “I, too, made a complaint about the speech, which I thought was inappropriate and offensive. I’ve since heard other things that have upset me a lot. I did enjoy the festival but I’m very sad that it wasn’t a great experience for everyone.”

https://twitter.com/finnlongman/status/1658581690657243141?s=46

While Guttridge declined Bristol24/7’s opportunity to respond to the criticism, he did reply to one critical tweet on Twitter.

He wrote: “I’m bemused – what do I have to apologise for? Also bemused that your tweet has been liked by a number of people who were not at CrimeFest so have no idea what I should be apologising for either.”

Main photo: CrimeFest 

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