Matzneff case: authors and publishers believe that "the era of silence is over"

One month after the publication of the Consent , the book in which Vanessa Springora describes the grip exerted by Gabriel Matzneff, authors and publishers sign on the Franceinfo site a forum in which they denounce the sexism plaguing the book sector. These thirty personalities - including the writers Claire Berest, Olivier Adam, Cécile Coulon and David Foenkinos - are calling for the end of the " law of silence ".

How many Weinsteins in the book world?

If Gabriel Matzneff is mentioned in Le Consentement , the resonance of this work goes far beyond the specific case, according to the signatories. " This scandal, so courageously reproduced by Vanessa Springora, proves that this is a national affair and not a turmoil peculiar to the literary world alone ," they say. This publication finally raises the question: " How many Weinsteins in the world of books?" "

Read also: Vanessa Springora, V as a victim

" Gray area "

The signatories describe the “ gray zone ” characterizing this sexism. " Misplaced remarks, touching, psychological brutality, physical assaults ... With the only response stunned, this other face of guilt, in a reversal of the sadly known roles ," they write.

Predators swell the belly of publishers and shareholders

"Power, symbol and money ": this would be the triptych allowing this sexism to continue. Money remains the sinews of war, and still constitutes an obstacle to the freedom of speech of the victims. " Predators contribute to general profitability, swelling the belly of publishers and shareholders, " write these authors and publishers.

Read also: Matzneff affair: what do we discover in Vanessa Springora's Consent?

These book professionals predict a paradigm shift resulting in the use of new words. “ Because reality is shaped in language, it is time to shake up the lexicon. No, we will no longer be those who cash, those who suffer , they warn . No, we will not be passive. Saying “I was a victim” is not enough. Let us dare: "You have no rights over me". Let us reverse the perspective, let us return the aggressor to his responsibility ”.

Read also: The fall of the writer Gabriel Matzneff

The signatories of the tribune anticipate a real change, beyond the world of publishing alone. " By finally opposing their physical, psychological and professional disintegration, women are educating the society of men ," they bet. For some, this is confusing. However, they will have to get used to it ”. The conclusion is clear: " the era of silence is over " .