NEW YORK- International magazine Newsweek has announced that it would be reviewing its relationship with Newsweek Pakistan after controversial tweets on child abuse emerged on the Twitter account of its editor Fasih Ahmed.
In a tweet, the reputed magazine clarified that Fasih’s views don’t represent the views of the magazine, and that they would be “reviewing” their relationship with Newsweek Pakistan, which operates under a license agreement.
Thanks for bringing this to our attention, @Alyssa_Milano. Recent tweets by Newsweek Pakistan editor @therealfasih do not represent the views of @Newsweek. We are reviewing our relationship with Newsweek Pakistan, which operates under a license agreement.
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) January 24, 2018
The editor of Newsweek Pakistan came under fire after a series of controversial tweets about child molestation in general and Zainab Ansari’s case in particular.
In the first tweet of the series, the journalist said, “The sexual abuse of children will always exist. You can never eliminate it. Sometimes it leads to great art. So there’s also that.”
The sexual abuse of children will always exist. You can never eliminate it. Sometimes it leads to great art. So there’s also that.
— Fasih Ahmed (@therealfasih) January 23, 2018
The editor went on to say in a subsequent tweet: “Child sexual abuse has always happened, is happening, and will always continue. Two days of outrage on Twitter and participating in a 10-person vigil may make you feel so noble but that’s all just about you, not those who’ve been victimized.”
Child sexual abuse has always happened, is happening, and will always continue. Two days of outrage on Twitter and participating in a 10-person vigil may make you feel so noble but that’s all just about you, not those who’ve been victimized
— Fasih Ahmed (@therealfasih) January 23, 2018
He also called out all these criticizing his views by asking, “You know uncles, servants, teachers, cousins, random shopkeepers hurt boys and girls. Did you report them? Did you have the balls to step out of your denial? This is the cause du jour. Default mode denial is just around the corner. Zainab is not a watershed moment.”
You know uncles, servants, teachers, cousins, random shopkeepers hurt boys and girls. Did you report them? Did you have the balls to step out of your denial? This is the cause du jour. Default mode denial is just around the corner. Zainab is not a watershed moment
— Fasih Ahmed (@therealfasih) January 23, 2018
In the last tweet of the series, he put to an end all speculations of his account being hacked.
My account has not been hacked. Relax
— Fasih Ahmed (@therealfasih) January 23, 2018
The literary fraternity and people from all walks of life have responded with anger towards Fasih’s tweets.
A number of them are also calling for a boycott of the Lahore Literary Festival, the next edition of which is expected in February, until they remove Fasih Ahmed as their board member.
Note that @lhrlitfest STILL hasn’t issued a response. There’s no way they don’t know what’s happening. If Newsweek international can issue a statement, so can they. #BoycottLLF until they #FireFasih.
— #FireFasih ?️? (@merabichrayaar) January 24, 2018
boycotting @lahorelitfest till this vile piece of shit is asked to leave the board by the festival organizers, otherwise they should also be censured for not speaking up against this elitist, self-entitled asshole. #FasihAhmed
— Zoya Rehman (@pind_wave) January 23, 2018
After the outburst on social media, Fasih Ahmed has resigned from the LLF which was accepted by the board members unanimously.
The Lahore Literary Festival (LLF) has received several complaints pertaining to the tweets on January 23, 2018 from the personal twitter handle of Mr Fasih Ahmed. This account and its tweets do not in any way represent or reflect the ethos or values of the LLF.>>>
— LLF (@lhrlitfest) January 24, 2018
>>In view of the same, Mr Ahmed has recused himself from the LLF and the Board has unanimously accepted his resignation.
— LLF (@lhrlitfest) January 24, 2018
American actress Alyssa Milano also spoke against Newsweek’s editor-in-chief’s tweets.
Hey, @Newsweek. Me again. Just flagging the below tweet for you coming from a guy who says he works for you. https://t.co/Hd0Mfj2fGN
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) January 24, 2018
Other social media users weren’t happy either.
You need to resign your job and completely rethink your life.
— NeanderthalPrivilege (@Shgamha) January 23, 2018
“Leads to great art?” You win the Asshole on Twitter award of the year!
— INFOCOOL (@INFOCOOLguru) January 23, 2018
Delete your fucking account and life
— E (@E_Devil_15) January 23, 2018
Are you in your senses @therealfasih? I doubt your sensibility if your twitter account is not compromised. Sickening
— Dr. Rooh Ullah (@hellodrsoul) January 23, 2018
what a dirt bag of a person you’re. Atleast people are highlighting & making noise unlike you who is just trying to make jokes. What an idiot. Shameful aspect of our society when it comes to literati like you. #thisidiotshouldbesacked @Newsweek
— sehrish syed (@sehrishsyed) January 24, 2018
We will have the guts to face and stand up for such atrocities if people like you support the causes and encourage the march instead of discouraging them and assuming the outcomes!
— Saamia Khan (@friendly_agent1) January 23, 2018
