Author Chetan Bhagat has decided he will not participate in the Bangalore Literature Festival citing other commitments, according to organisers of the event.
The seventh edition of the festival was scheduled to be held on October 27 and 28.
While Chetan Bhagat's participation was not formally announced by the organisers of the event, he was expected to promote his new book ‘The Girl in Room 105’ at the event, according to a report.
In the past week, Chetan has been accused of sending inappropriate messages to multiple women. However, the organisers confirmed that in spite of the allegations Chetan was not dis-invited from the event and that he will be allowed to put forth his statement and address the allegations.
However, the author has decided he will not take part in the event citing other commitments. One of the organisers of the fest confirmed to TNM that Chetan was open to addressing the allegations made against him.
"We have been in touch with Chetan for over three months about being at BLF. From the outset there were challenges about his coming down from Singapore for the BLF weekend but we persisted since he has been at BLF before and is a popular draw. At no stage was his formal participation confirmed," an organiser told TNM.
Multiple women have taken to social media accusing the author of inappropriate behaviour. After screenshots of a conversation with a writer was posted on Twitter, Chetan claimed that he was being 'vilified' and 'harassed' in a response posted on social media.
The seventh edition of the Bangalore LitFest is scheduled to be held at the LaLit Ashok Hotel in Bengaluru and will feature around 150 writers and speakers from across the country.