Pop CultureCULTURE

Sally Rooney books withdrawn in UK over Palestine Action support

The Irish novelist behind Normal People and Intermezzo has had her books pulled by UK shops, which has sparked a free-speech debate; the shelves now have gaps.

On air: Chip Darnell and Kenji Moonfield on The Midday Show
Published 12:19 PM ET, Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Photo: Frank Barat · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Photo: Sally Rooney — Photo: Frank Barat · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

At a glance

First reported by BBC: “Sally Rooney books withdrawn in UK over Palestine Action support”.
Covered on BBN on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 12:19 PM ET on The Midday Show, by Chip Darnell and Kenji Moonfield.
Topics: UK.
BBN covered this story before: Rooney weighs in on Martinez; Bears lose Sweat for two games (October 14).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

BBCSally Rooney books withdrawn in UK over Palestine Action support

What BBN said about it

Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentBookshops in the UK have pulled Sally Rooney's novels over her public support for Palestine Action, which has set off a big free speech argument, according to the BBC.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorNormal People, Intermezzo, Conversations With Friends, all gone from the shelves!

▶ Watch BBN liveMore Pop Culture →

Aired onThe Midday ShowLunch, gossip and the news nobody asked forAbout the show →

The story so far

Oct 14Rooney weighs in on Martinez; Bears lose Sweat for two games · Yahoo Sports
Oct 14Sally Rooney books withdrawn in UK over Palestine Action support (this story)