Legal Threat Over Poem Withdrawal by ACE-Funded Magazine
A poet is threatening Arts Council England (ACE) with legal action after a magazine it funds withdrew her poem from publication, citing concerns related to her “social media presence,” which she believes refers to her gender-critical posts.
A letter sent to ACE by solicitors representing the poet Abigail Ottley last Tuesday, seen by , contends that the public body “failed” to “conduct a sufficient inquiry” into the decision made by the Aftershock Review not to publish Ottley’s poem. The lawyers accuse the magazine of discrimination.
Funding and Background of Aftershock Review
Aftershock Review was launched last year by Max Wallis. It received £32,368 from ACE in April 2025, followed by an additional £60,000 grant on 28 January, according to available records.
Ottley’s poem was initially accepted for publication by Aftershock in September. However, in October, she received an email from the magazine informing her that it had decided not to proceed with publishing her work.
“Following an internal review, and in light of concerns raised about your social media presence, we’ve decided not to proceed with publishing your work in this issue,” the email stated, as cited in the legal letter.
“As a trauma-informed and inclusive publication, the Aftershock Review has a duty of care to ensure our contributors and readers feel safe and respected. This decision reflects our commitment to those principles and is final.”
Requests for Clarification and Complaints
According to the letter, Ottley did not receive a response when she sought clarification about which aspects of her social media activity had led to the withdrawal. She subsequently lodged a complaint with ACE in November and also contacted the Freedom in the Arts (FITA) organisation, which filed a complaint that same month.
On 28 January, ACE responded to Ottley’s complaint, stating that it did not identify any breach of its funding terms and conditions by Aftershock in its decision-making process. The response included the following:
“Although we are unable to provide specific details of our review, I hope it is helpful to mention that the grant-holder confirmed that your poem was not withdrawn due to your gender-critical beliefs,” the email stated, according to the legal letter sent by Conrathe Gardner LLP.
Social Media Activity and Allegations of Discrimination
Ottley’s social media activity “consists primarily of expressing and re-posting gender-critical views,” said FITA. Her solicitors argue that, “in the absence of further clarification as to what it was about Ms Ottley’s social media profile that resulted in the withdrawal, there are sufficient facts to establish that the reason why she was discriminated against was her gender-critical beliefs.”
Ottley’s social media includes retweeting prominent gender-critical figures such as JK Rowling.
Demands and Legal Requests
The letter requests that ACE disclose all documents related to the dismissal of the complaint in January. To “avoid litigation,” it asks ACE to re-open the complaint, conduct a “lawful and fulsome investigation,” and review its decision to fund Aftershock. This is based on the requirement that ACE grantees comply with the Equality Act 2010, which prohibits discrimination.
Responses from ACE and Aftershock Review
A spokesperson for ACE stated that the organisation will not comment at this stage, “as legal proceedings are ongoing.”
The Aftershock Review has not responded to a request for comment.
