Former Cambridge professor Jason Arday has canceled several promotional events for his upcoming memoir, Great and Unfortunate Things, following serious allegations of plagiarism and fabricated life details. The cancellations come just days before the book’s scheduled US release and amid an ongoing investigation by Cambridge University into his academic conduct.
Two scheduled appearances have been notably removed from public view. An event planned for September 2 at the Royal Geographical Society (RGS), which was to feature a ‘fireside chat’ about Mr. Arday’s research on racial inequality, is now marked as ‘cancelled at the request of the speaker.’ Similarly, a bookshop event in Edinburgh, slated for September 18 at Topping and Co, has also been called off, with customers notified via email on Saturday.
Accusations Trigger Investigation and Cancellations
The controversy erupted when fellow academics raised concerns about Mr. Arday’s work, alleging instances of copied material and misrepresentations of his professional history. These accusations prompted Cambridge University to launch an investigation shortly before his resignation from his professorial role last week. Mr. Arday cited the ‘personal cost’ of the ensuing public scrutiny as the reason for his departure.
His memoir, Great and Unfortunate Things, has been described by its publisher, Simon & Schuster, as a narrative of ‘improbable triumphs.’ However, biographical details previously featured on the publisher’s website, referencing alleged athletic achievements and significant charitable fundraising, have reportedly been removed. These removals occurred prior to the public emergence of the plagiarism allegations.
Support Letter Faces Scrutiny
In a related development, an online letter expressing support for Mr. Arday, purportedly signed by over 17,000 individuals, has come under fire due to the inclusion of numerous fake and satirical names. The letter, hosted by the Good Law Project, asserts that the allegations against Mr. Arday constitute a ‘smear campaign’ and are ‘entirely false.’
While the letter lists prominent figures such as Green Party leader Zack Polanski and former Labour shadow chancellor John McDonnell among its signatories, it also features clearly fabricated entries. These include names like ‘FAKER,’ ‘guilty,’ and well-known fictional characters associated with deception, such as ‘Walter Mitty,’ ‘Billy Liar,’ ‘Baron Munchausen,’ and ‘Pinocchio.’ Other questionable entries include references to public figures like ‘Matt Hancock’ and ‘Jussie Smollett,’ alongside a signatory using only clown emojis and another signing off as ‘WaitMaybeHeISafraud.’
Questions Surrounding the Good Law Project’s Involvement
Jolyon Maugham, founder of the Good Law Project, has reportedly sought to distance himself from the letter’s content, stating he was on holiday during the controversy. He clarified that while the organization agreed to host the letter, it did not represent his personal endorsement or broader organizational stance beyond hosting. Maugham expressed his personal view that the plagiarism claims might not be well-founded, but acknowledged discomfort with descriptions of Mr. Arday as a ‘fantasist,’ while refraining from speculating on the impact of neurodivergence on his communication.
Further criticism has been leveled at the support letter for alleged content alterations. A reference to universities conducting ‘thorough investigations’ was reportedly removed after hundreds had already signed. Additionally, some high-profile Cambridge figures initially associated with the letter have since had their names withdrawn.
Past Claims and Publisher’s Actions
Mr. Arday’s past public statements have included claims of being unable to write until the age of 18, completing 30 marathons in 35 days, and raising substantial sums for charity. The decision by Simon & Schuster to remove biographical details concerning these alleged feats from his author page, predating the current scandal, has drawn attention.
It has also been noted that two academics who were part of the selection panel that appointed Professor Arday to his Cambridge position have published work critical of ‘whiteness’ in educational contexts. Michalinos Zembylas, a professor at the Open University of Cyprus, and Anoop Nayak of Newcastle University, were among the external academics involved in the appointment process.
Conclusion of Events
The cancellation of these promotional events for Great and Unfortunate Things leaves the memoir’s launch under a significant cloud. The ongoing investigation by Cambridge University and the scrutiny surrounding the support letter raise substantial questions about the veracity of claims made by and about the former professor. The publisher’s actions in removing biographical details suggest a pre-existing awareness or concern regarding the information presented about Mr. Arday.
