Local Literary Community & Organisations ‘Cancels’ Kenny Leck After Exposé

Whether it’s overall a boon or a bane is debatable, but one thing you cannot deny is that the internet allows us to hold people to account. 

If someone commits a misdeed, be it six hours ago or six years ago, they’ll be made to answer for their wrongdoing if their victim comes forward with allegations on social media.

It’s then up to the public to decide where they stand with the perpetrator.

This is the dilemma currently faced by those in the local literary community after a Rice Media exposé alleged that BooksActually co-founder Kenny Leck had made romantic advances towards young female employees at the store.

Just a couple of days after the explosive allegations were published, some organisations have revealed their views on their matter.

Local Literary Community & Organisations ‘Cancels’ Kenny Leck After Exposé

The first statement came yesterday (27 Sep) from a group of 38 authors published by Math Paper Press, BooksActually’s publishing arm.

The group, which included writers and poets such as Alfian Sa’at, Cyril Wong, and Ng Yi-Sheng, said they were “angry and disheartened” by the allegations.

“We also acknowledge that our writing community should do better, and that scarce resources should never be an excuse for unacceptable behaviour,” the group said.

It added that it does not condone non-consensual or exploitative behaviour, and welcomed the decision of Leck to transfer ownership of the independent bookstore to his team of five employees.

The statement went on to say: “If BooksActually wishes to receive the support of our writing environment, we need them to fulfil their promises of outlining and enforcing better procedures and policies, including an anti-harassment policy.”

On the same day, literary non-profit organisation Sing Lit Station said it would no longer work with BooksActually on the 2021 Jalan Besar Writing Residency, and is terminating the programme.

The programme gives out grants to a few writers every year.

It said, however, that it would reassess future collaborations with the independent bookstore based on “meaningful organisational changes that prioritise the safety and welfare of their staff”.

Local publisher Ethos Books said in a Facebook post that they would “cease to both retail books through BA [BooksActually] and enter into further collaborations with BA” until certain changes are made.

Allegations: Romantic Advances, Long Hours, & Late Payments

For those who missed our article on the matter, several former female employees of BooksActually spoke to Rice and accused Leck of making romantic overtures.

One of the women, named Mel, claimed she had let Leck hug her and hold her hand because he was persistent with his advances and she didn’t want to hurt him, out of respect for what he had done for the local art scene and homegrown writers.

Another ex-worker, Renée, who Leck married and divorced, also claimed she had stopped getting paid when BooksActually faced financial difficulties.

Other former employees said they had to work long hours without designated breaks, and were not only paid little but also late.

Leck: Allegations Are “Untrue”

Leck responded to the allegations on Sunday night (26 Sep), admitting to some “personal failings” when he was running BooksActually.

However, he denied the allegations levelled at him by his former workers.

“There have been allegations, and inferences, that remain totally untrue. There will be a time when I will be ready to speak to each in detail publicly, but now is not that time. I hope you will allow me my privacy for now,” he said.

He confirmed that he will be relinquishing full ownership of the bookstore to his current team, and will no longer be involved in the decision-making process.

You can read more about the bookstore here.

Read Also:

• BooksActually’s Kenny Leck Responded Publicly About Allegations & Will No Longer be Owner of the Bookshop
• 10 Facts About BooksActually, The Bookstore That Everyone is Talking About Now

Featured Image: Facebook (BooksActually & Kaplan Singapore)