young adult novels

Update: Maze Runner Author James Dashner Apologizes Following Sexual-Misconduct Claim

James Dashner. Photo: Laura Cavanaugh/Getty Images

James Dashner, author of the Maze Runner series, has been dropped by his literary agent following sexual-misconduct claims. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Michael W. Bourret confirmed that he would no longer be representing the young-adult novelist. The agent explained, “I couldn’t in good conscience continue working with James, and I let him go yesterday.”

Dashner was accused of misconduct in a comment thread on the School Library Journal’s website. In the same thread, 13 Reasons Why writer Jay Asher was also accused of misconduct. On Monday, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators announced that it had banned Asher, though the author has denied the accusations against him and claims he left the society of his own accord. Asher’s agent has also dropped him.

Dashner’s dystopian book series was turned into a film franchise, with the third and final movie in the series, Maze Runner: The Death Cure, hitting theaters last month.

Update February 15: James Dashner posted a message to his Twitter account Thursday afternoon, apologizing for his initial defensiveness. “I didn’t honor or fully understand boundaries and power dynamics,” he wrote. “I can sincerely say that I have never intentionally hurt another person. But to those affected I am so deeply sorry.” See his full statement below:

Maze Runner Author Releases Apology Amid Misconduct Claims