May 6, 2015 9:22 pm

Photos: The Writers Who Did Attend the PEN Gala

By BORIS KACHKA

Photo: Lucas Michael

Last night, the PEN American Center, a writers’ organization defending free speech around the world, held its annual gala at the Museum of Natural History — its biggest benefit yet, and also its most controversial. A little over a week ago, six writers withdrew from the party over the group’s decision to honor Charlie Hebdo, the French satirical magazine whose staff was massacred in January by jihadists, on the grounds that its crude Muhammad-mocking drawings were offensive to marginalized Muslims. There’s since been a protest petition signed by 200 PEN members, reams of published debate, and, in the aftermath of a shooting in Texas on Sunday during a Muhammad-drawing contest, a massive increase in security. Before the ceremony, we photographed the literati and asked for — and received plenty of — their opinions on the fracas.

“We’ve had a really substantial jump in members. We haven’t wanted to crow about it, but it’s been quite striking to see the spike since this debate has been sparked.”

“I went over the top more than once because I actually feel very angry at the betrayal of the dead. I think if people have died for their art, the least you could do is get their story right, and these protesters have gotten their story very wrong.”

“I’m sort of a First Amendment absolutist — except, of course, when it comes to PowerPoint. I think PowerPoint people should be arrested. Otherwise, I think you can pretty much say anything you want to.”

“They’re wrong thinking we are racist, and they are wrong thinking we are attacking poor people, weak people. We are attacking institutions, states, powerful people.”

“To read some of the statements made by the writers withdrawing from this gala, they don’t know what they are talking about. I think that maybe they spoke too fast.”

“I thought the cartoons were idiotic, but I absolutely defend their right to publish them. If I didn’t think it was proper to honor them, I wouldn’t have come.”

“I think this evening is really important. There are 850 people tonight coming to this dinner, and for us as publishers, it is more important than ever to preserve the diversity of voices.”

“We just got back from a month in Paris, and everywhere you look, there’s 'Je Suis Charlie Hebdo.' Though in one area someone had crossed out 'Je Suis' and put in ‘I Am Not,’ in English.”

“It’s been a good debate, where the arguments have improved over the course of the conversation. Actually, my brother’s piece this morning was excellent — almost convincing. I’m comfortable with agreeing to disagree, not just because I love him but because he actually makes a lot of sense.”

“The good thing is we’re all talking about this. It’s very complicated, and I’m glad there’s so much press about it, because these are complicated philosophical as well as political issues. And this would be really boring otherwise.”

“This afternoon, I was tense and on edge, but now I’m here and everyone seems to be having a nice time — and to have arrived. My very protective father was terribly worried about my security. But one of the police in here said this is going to be the safest room in New York.”

“Irony is what died first after September 11, and now, definitely after the protest of free speech by members of PEN.”

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Photos: The Writers Who Did Attend the PEN Gala

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