Salinger may sue over BBC dramatisation
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The BBC could face legal action from J D Salinger over its decision to dramatise part of The Catcher in the Rye without his permission.
Extracts from one of the most famous unfilmed novels were read out as part of a tribute to the work presented by Ruby Wax on BBC2'sThe Big Read, last Saturday. A teenage actor, Jacob Zachar, was asked to perform scenes from the book even though no authorisation had been sought from Salinger, who is notoriously protective of his work and has refused permission to portray his novel on film or on stage. .
Representatives of the author have described the BBC's actions as "extraordinary" and demanded copies of the programme. His British sub-agent, Clare Alexander of Gillon Aitken, said: "If the BBC have dramatised without permission it is an extraordinary thing for them to do.
"The key issue here, is about proper respect for an author's wishes and clearly the BBC decided not to find out what those wishes might be."
The matter has been referred to Salinger's primary agent, Phyllis Westberg at Harold Ober Associates in New York who has yet to decide on what action to take.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments