'BookTok' rocked by recent scandals

A scandal over allegations of plagiarism is rocking the book community on TikTok, becoming the latest drama to unfold in a pocket of the internet that was once considered a safer space from online toxicity.“Beverly,” a romance novel by indie author Laura J. Robert, had picked up recent buzz on the social media platform, where readers and authors often discuss the latest titles and give recommendations.

A scandal over allegations of plagiarism is rocking the book community on TikTok, becoming the latest drama to unfold in a pocket of the internet that was once considered a safer space from online toxicity.

“Beverly,” a romance novel by indie author Laura J. Robert, had picked up recent buzz on the social media platform, where readers and authors often discuss the latest titles and give recommendations.

But several creators removed their videos praising Robert’s book after allegations emerged that it was a rip-off of the indie author R.J. Lewis’ “Obsessed,” which was published in 2016. Both books have plots that follow a lead female character and her romance with her childhood friend.

Some people posted excerpts of Lewis’ words juxtaposed with Robert’s, identifying what they described as similarities. Others accused Robert of using artificial intelligence to tweak and lengthen Lewis’ book to create her own version. A handful of people speculated the authors could be the same person — because Robert’s initials are Lewis’ initials backward — and that the controversy could all be a PR stunt.

NBC News was unable to reach Robert on Friday. Lewis declined to comment further.

https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/booktok-rocked-recent-scandals-rcna213832


Post ID: 6a55e65d-2252-4cb9-bcbd-535118f470fd
Rating: 5
Updated: 1 month ago
Your ad can be here
Create Post

Similar classified ads


News's other ads