‘I am deeply sorry’: Craig Silvey pens 9,000-word apology for child exploitation material offences

Australian author Craig Silvey has published a 9,000-word apology for child exploitation material offences. In the statement he says he is deeply sorry for the harm he has caused. The apology runs to thousands of words and was shared online. In it, Silvey addresses his readers, his family and the people affected. He does not ask to be forgiven. Child exploitation material is illegal material that shows the abuse of children. Silvey is best known for the novel Jasper Jones, which became a play and a film.

Silvey grew up in Western Australia and published his first novel, Rhubarb, in 2004. Jasper Jones came out in 2009 and became a bestseller studied in schools. It was adapted for the stage and made into a film in 2017. His later novel Honeybee won awards and was widely praised. News of the offences shocked the Australian book world, where Silvey had been a popular festival guest.

Child exploitation material causes real harm to children. The case is a reminder that fame and public praise do not excuse serious crimes.