Writers Condemn 'Horrifying' Attack On Salman Rushdie: 'Saddened Beyond Measure'

Writers and celebrities have reacted with shock and horror after author Salman Rushdie was attacked onstage at an event in New York state on Friday. Rushdie, whose novel The Satanic Verses drew death threats from Iran’s leader in the 1980s, was stabbed in the neck and abdomen by a man. The author was flown to a hospital and underwent surgery. His agent, Andrew Wylie, said the writer was on a ventilator Friday evening, with a damaged liver, severed nerves in his arm and an eye he was likely to lose.

Shortly after the tragic news, many prominent writers and celebrities tweeted in response to the attack and wished for the Booker Prize-winner's speedy recovery.

Writers Condemn 'Horrifying' Salman Rushdie Attack

JK Rowling condemned the “horrifying news”, adding: “Feeling very sick right now. Let him be ok.”

Neil Gaiman wrote: “I’m shocked and distressed to see my friend Salman Rushdie has been attacked before a talk. He’s a good man and a brilliant one and I hope he’s okay.”

Javed Akhtar tweeted: "I condemn the barbaric attack on Salman Rushdie by some fanatic. I hope that the NY police and the court will take the strongest action possible against the attacker."

“Prayers for Salman Rushdie,” former Democratic presidential candidate and author Marianne Williamson tweeted.

Khaled Hosseini tweeted: "I’m utterly horrified by the cowardly attack on Salman Rushdie. I pray for his recovery. He is an essential voice and cannot be silenced."

Amitav Ghosh said, "Horrified to learn that Salman Rushdie has been attacked at a speaking event in upstate New York. Wish him a speedy recovery.

Stephen King tweeted: “I hope Salman Rushdie is okay.”

Speaking to the Guardian, Japanese-born English novelist Kazuo Ishiguro said: “He’s been incredibly brave through all these years, continuously putting himself on the line for the right to think and speak freely, despite the dangers that never went away. We’re hoping and hoping he’ll pull through.”

Indian author and political and environmental activist Arundhati Roy told the Guardian, “I am shocked and saddened beyond measure. Nothing can justify this attack."

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