The Royal Society of Literature (RSL), the leading literary society in the UK, has taken the unprecedented step of referring itself to the Charity Commission this month, in response to what it describes as a “sustained campaign of misinformation” against it. The decision, aimed at safeguarding its reputation, comes amid allegations of censorship related to an unpublished article concerning Israel and Palestine.

Royal Society of Literature takes steps amid backlash

A spokesperson for the RSL revealed to The Bookseller that the council’s decision is rooted in principles of good governance. “The RSL is absolutely committed to defending its reputation, including its management team, chair and president, in the face of sustained and malicious attacks on its work,” it stated.

Controversy has surrounded the RSL for several months, following criticisms over changes in the election process for fellows and the delay of its annual magazine, ‘Review.’ The postponement was reportedly due to an article critical of Israel, raising concerns among some fellows, including a perceived lack of support for Salman Rushdie after his stabbing in 2022. Prominent authors Ian McEwan and Alan Hollinghurst have been vocal in their calls for the RSL to refer itself to the Charity Commission.

In response to claims made by the magazine’s former editor, Maggie Fergusson, an RSL spokesperson clarified to The Bookseller, “the RSL’s Review magazine was not cancelled and its freelance editor Maggie Fergusson was not sacked, as she has claimed. The magazine, which has no set date for publication, will come out in the spring and Maggie’s freelance tenure expired by mutual agreement.”

The spokesperson further explained that the magazine’s delay was not due to any single factor but a combination of concerns, including the quality and tone of the content. “There was never any suggestion from the RSL management team of editing the piece about the war in Gaza. The facts have been explained to the authors of the piece, who understand the decision to postpone the magazine,” the spokesperson added.

RSL leadership defends against accusations of censorship

In defence of the RSL, its president, Bernardine Evaristo, penned an op-ed in the Guardian, addressing the accusations levelled against the organisation. Evaristo highlighted that claims of sidelining older members, declining quality of fellows, and curbing freedom of speech are baseless. She reiterated that the society represents a broad spectrum of literature and dismissed the notion of it acting as a singular voice for its members as “a dangerous and untenable concept.”

Evaristo also refuted allegations of censorship and expressed concern over aggressive criticisms directed at RSL’s director, Molly Rosenberg, and chair of council, Daljit Nagra. However, Rushdie subsequently took to social media to ask the RSL, if it was ‘”‘impartial’ about attempted murder?” in response to her article.

The RSL Council is scheduled to meet today (February 20), with a statement expected to follow.