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'Boycott Simon & Schuster': Over 20,000 sign petition to cancel book deal with Breonna Taylor's 'killer' cop

Social media campaign takes off as Sgt Jonathan Mattingly attempts to rewrite his image through his book that revisits the tragic shooting of Taylor

An online petition on Move On has called for stopping publishers Simon & Schuster from releasing Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly's book, 'The Fight For Truth: The Inside Story Behind the Breonna Taylor Tragedy'. The petition slammed it as "a brazen attempt to rehabilitate" the image of Mattingly who was involved in Breonna Taylor's shooting. 

The book published by Tennessee-based Post Hill Press are distributed by Simon & Schuster, which is also linked to a book by Congressman Matt Gaetz. Mattingly's book has drawn widespread condemnation, especially in light of the fact he was not charged or faced disciplinary action over his role in the death of Taylor. The petition has received over 20,000 signatures when this report was published.

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Mattingly was one of three officers that burst into Taylor's home on March 13, 2020. The narcotics raid turned ugly when Taylor's boyfriend fired at the officers, assuming the cops were intruders. The bullet hit Mattingly in the leg, leading him to fire back. Mattingly fired back, killing Taylor but was never charged. Detectives Myles Cosgrove and Brett Hankinson were dismissed from the Louisville PD for their actions. 

'The publisher with no shame'

In light of the news of Mattingly's book, activists have hit back hard. Activist Nandini Jammi created the petition earlier on Thursday, 15 April. Within hours, it surged to over 20,000 signatures. The page says, "None of the three officers who fired into her home have been charged in her death. Now, they are now seeking fame and profit over Breonna's name and memory. Breonna has already lost her life due to the actions of this officer. She will never be able to tell her story. Mattingly shouldn't either." 

The publisher though has defended itself. In a late email to ABC News, it said, "per our agreements with them (Post Hill Press) we are unable to pick and choose which titles on their list to distribute." It said its clients pick and chose which books to publish and that it has no control over the process. Nonetheless, it has drawn widespread condemnation. Democratic Kentucky state Representative Attica Scott tweeted, "Stay focused, y’all. People love to profit off of Black pain and tragedy. It sells."

Actress and activist Rosanna Arquette tweeted, "Post hill press owned by Simon and schuster has given a book deal to one of the murderous police officers who shot and killed Breonna Taylor. this is disgraceful and they should be ashamed of. themselves." Joy Reid said, "This is absolutely repugnant. We’ll definitely get into this tomorrow night. Sending prayers to Breonna Taylor’s family." One person said, "simon & schuster really settling into their position as the publisher with absolutely no shame or decency" Actor Ari Solomon called the news "beyond disgusting".

Author Chuck Wendig tweeted, "Once again, it’s Simon & Schuster to the rescue for the worst people. This is grotesque. WTF." Writer Roxane Gay said, "Simon & Schuster really embraces villainy." One person said, "Simon and Schuster is reallll shiesty for this. This is why all those performative post and statements back in June were bullshit" referring to the publisher's June 2020 statement in support of the BLM protests.

Further details of Mattingly's book, including a publication date are unavailable at this time. On its website, the Post Hill Press says it focuses on "pop culture, business, self-help, health, current events, Christian, and conservative political books". The press has also published a book about Hunter Biden's laptop, Michael Flynn, Donald Trump, and other conservative topics.