'Thirteen Reasons Why' author Jay Asher expelled from writers' group over harassment charges

Jay Asher, best-selling children's author was expelled from a prominent writers' organisation as allegations of sexual harassment were levelled against him.

As reported by Associated Press on Monday,Lin Oliver, executive director of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators saidthat Asher had violated the society's harassment code.

The ban came into place last year but the issue has come to light now that #MeToo campaign has grown in momentum, in support of sexual abuse/harassment victims.

Prize-winning illustrator David Diaz was also asked to leave the organisation as there were reports of him being involved in some form of misdemeanour.

In an email, Oliver wrote:"Both Jay Asher and David Diaz were found to have violated the SCBWI code of conduct in regard to harassment. Claims against them were investigated and, as a result, they are no longer members and neither will be appearing at any SCBWI events in the future."

Asher is best known for novels such as Thirteen Reasons Why and The Future of Us, while Diaz won the prestigious Caldecott Medal for illustration for the 1994 book Smoky Night. Diaz has worked on dozens of books, including Me, Frida and The Little Scarecrow Boy.