“The Native American Carnegie Medal award-winning writer of 26 books and writer and producer of the movie Smoke Signals, Sherman Alexie (Spokane-Coeur d’Alene,) has been accused of sexual predatory behavior and sexual harassment by several dozen women. Since last Saturday, allegations against the author have reached a fever pitch on social media.” V. Schilling, ICTMN
Sherman Alexie. The
CurrentExcerpt: Sherman Alexie Called Out For Sexual Misconduct For Over A Twenty-Year Period, By Vincent Schilling, ICTMN
“[According to Litsa Dremousis—a close friend of Alexie for over 15 years] ‘In multiple instances, he explicitly threatened to end women’s careers if they told anyone he had sexually harassed them… It seems—at least so far—that he targeted Native American women writers particularly hard.’
On Wednesday, Alexie issued a public apology amid the allegations of sexual misconduct stating, ‘Over the years, I have done things that have harmed other people, including those I love most deeply. To those whom I have hurt, I genuinely apologize. I am so sorry.’
‘I reject the accusations, insinuations, and outright falsehoods made by Litsa Dremousis, who has led charges against me. Ms. Dremousis has portrayed herself as simply being a friend of mine. She has withheld from the public the fact that she and I had previously been consenting sexual partners.’
Dremousis said women were afraid to confront Alexie due to his prominence in the world of literature. She confided in friends that because she knew him, she would volunteer to confront him…Alexie states Dremousis is only telling a partial truth and claims he has no recollection of making threats.
Dremousis informed Indian Country Today via phone that National Public Radio has the largest reach in the country and she sent several victims of Alexie to NPR who have agreed to come out against Alexie publicly…Several journalists have confirmed NPR will be the first outlet to give reports first-hand from the victims of Alexie.
She also surmises that Little Brown Publishing would most likely not publish a sequel to Alexie’s award-winning The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. She also doesn’t think there will be a movie based on the book which is now in pre-production.
Washington DC-based bookstore Duende District has stated they will also no longer be carrying Alexie’s books… Duende District is a WoC-owned business & our mission is to uplift voices of color, esp. women of color, & we do not separate Alexie’s work from his actions.'”
