Popular romance audiobook narrator and producer Joe Arden has responded to allegations of “sexual misconduct and unethical business practices” following reports of inappropriate behaviour by several social media users.

According to Men’s Health, ‘James,’ who goes by the pseudonym Joe Arden, is considered the most prolific male romance narrator, having recorded over 400 titles, including novels by Colleen Hoover.

What is the Joe Arden controversy about?

However, he recently became embroiled in controversy after a Tailgram post claimed several people had experienced “uncomfortable or inappropriate situations” with the author. Although the post has since been deleted, it has been revisited by TikTok user @alexintheabstract. The Tailgram platform is used for private discussions, such as conducting market research on a specific topic within a targeted group.

TikTok creator @by_the_bookcase summarised the claims against Arden as including “unethical business practices and sexual misconduct.”

She stated: “There has emerged a consistent pattern of unethical business practices and sexual misconduct with fans, authors, and readers. The unethical business practices include trash-talking other production companies, narrators, and even authors that he’s worked with, as well as contracts that are questionable or exploitative.”

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In the video, an anonymous agent alleged that Arden’s production company, Blue Nose Audio, “pays approx 20-30 percent to the author forever. After seven years you can only have him take down the audiobook. No option for the author to own it.” 

Another author reported that the narrator was “trash-talking other narrators and other books,” along with production companies and publishers.

It has been suggested that there were also inappropriate conversations with a fan of a sexual nature.

Joe Arden responds to claims

How To Be Books approached Joe Arden, and a spokesperson responded to the claims, saying, “James engaged in consensual conversations with members of the community, but acknowledges their inappropriate nature due to his status as a married man. 

“All conversations James participated in were done so with mutual willingness and consent. He does recognize and accept responsibility for his infidelity,” the spokesperson continued.

In terms of the claims surrounding unfair contracts, the statement added the following: “James has built his brand on the pillars of transparency, equality, and respect. The contracts the company distributed offered fair and reasonable terms, which in turn created a mutually beneficial relationship for both parties.”

Arden has previously taken to Instagram to address the claims.

He said: “While I’m not perfect, I categorically deny these accusations, and I’m working through the ramifications privately.”

He added how he has “never engaged in non-consensual, coercive exchanges with anyone” before admitting he is a “flawed person.”

Arden also said he will “continue to listen and work to improve.”

Investigation underway

In a now-deleted post on Facebook, Blue Nose Audio, the production company co-owned and run by Arden, issued a statement about the matter, revealing that the controversial figure had “stepped down as President of this female-led company.”

Independent entertainment news outlet The Direct reported the company had previously defended its relationships with authors. However, on March 14, it later issued another statement saying it was “shocked by the allegations,” reiterating that it had “no tolerance for for the misconduct alleged and Joe Arden has no current role” at the company.

The matter is reportedly being investigated by an external party. It added: “We are taking these matters seriously and thank you for your patience as the investigation is underway and more information will be forthcoming.”

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