Hugh Bonneville has been forced to apologize after making flippant comments about his ‘contractual obligation’ to write a children’s book.
The actor, best known for his roles in Downton Abbey and Paddington, told BBC Radio 2 that his decision to write a children’s book was simply fulfilling what he jokingly called the celebrity ‘obligation’.
Mr Bonneville, 60, said: ‘Everyone who has been on television now has it in their contract that they have to write a children’s book. So I fulfill that obligation.’
The father-of-one added that he was still in the early stages of the project, admitting: ‘A few illustrators have suggested ideas, and it helps with the writing because I don’t have any ideas.’
His comments were met with swift reactions from both established authors and the wider literary community, many of whom felt his comments downplayed the hard work and dedication required to write for children.
Hugh Bonneville has been forced to apologize after making flippant comments about his ‘contractual obligation’ to write a children’s book
The actor, best known for his roles in Downton Abbey and Paddington, told BBC Radio 2 that his decision to write a children’s book was simply fulfilling what he jokingly called the celebrity ‘obligation’.
“How nice it must be to put minimal effort into something that is guaranteed to be a success,” wrote a jury member for a book prize.
‘How disrespectful to all the hardworking and brilliant children’s authors and illustrators who pour their heart and soul into creating stories for children, and barely make a ripple. Come on @BBCRadio2, do better.’
Many in the publishing industry expressed frustration at what they saw as a growing sense of equality among famous writers.
Author Tamsin Winter described the comments as ‘soul-destroying’, adding: ‘So many of us real authors pour our hearts and souls into writing books for young people, with very little reward other than the knowledge that we are reaching readers that our stories need. ‘
SF Said, author of Varjak Pawanother and winner of the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize, shared his dismay: “Children’s books are THE MOST IMPORTANT BOOKS OF ALL!
“They are the ones who make us readers in the first place, and they shape us in the deepest ways.
“Some of us have dedicated our lives to them, so it’s distressing to see them still being spoken of with such disdain.”
In response to the backlash, Mr Bonneville – who wrote his 2022 memoir, Playing Under the Piano – apologized about X.
Mr Bonneville, 60, said: ‘Everyone who has been on television now has it in their contract that they have to write a children’s book. So I fulfill that obligation.’ The father-of-one added: ‘A few illustrators have suggested ideas, and it helps with my writing because I’m out of ideas’
His comments were met with swift reactions from both established authors and the wider literary community, many of whom felt his comments trivialized the hard work and dedication required to write for children.
“Please don’t blame Radio 2 for my flippant comment, which was in no way intended to disparage full-time authors,” he wrote.
‘Believe me, I put my heart and soul into the project.’
The Notting Hill star added that his intention had been to “take the weirdness out of myself and the weirdness out of the writing universe.”
“My apologies,” he said.
Despite his apology, many critics, including children’s book author Ross Wellford, were unconvinced.
“I, too, am ‘contractually obligated’ to write a children’s book,” Wellford wrote.
“It’s called a ‘book deal’ with my publisher, and it’s my only job. Maybe I should find it ’embarrassing’ to appear in a film as Paddington’s father?’
Other authors also expressed their frustration.
Clare Swatman replied: “Well said. Absolutely infuriating and insulting.”
Many in the publishing industry expressed frustration at what they saw as a growing sense of equality among famous writers
While children’s author Dan Smith said: ‘What the hell? This is so depressing.’
Mr. Bonneville replied directly to Swatman: “Please listen to the interview.
“I took the burden off myself and the strangeness of the publishing world. I take my writing as seriously as any other published author.”
Author Carole Solazzo was among those who found Bonneville’s comments disappointing, writing: ‘So very disappointed in @hughbon. What a shameful attitude to adopt. Just another celebrity making money.”
Bonneville responded, “Hi Carole, I hope one day you listen to the interview and realize that I was putting myself and the strange world of publishing out of the way.
‘Just like with my first book, I take writing seriously and try to do my best.’