An internationally bestselling author is canceling and refunding all her U.K. tour events, citing border concerns with leaving and reentering the U.S., where she lives.
Ali Hazelwood, known for BookTok sensations like “The Love Hypothesis” and “Bride,” posted on Instagram Wednesday about the “disappointing” decision to cancel because “it’s not possible for me to safely travel outside and then back inside the US,” she wrote.
Hazelwood, originally from Italy, now resides in the U.S. She was originally booked for several U.K. appearances, including one with “Summer in the City” author Alex Aster . It's unclear whether Hazelwood is a naturalized U.S. citizen, visa or green card holder. Hazelwood's reps at Penguin Random House told USA TODAY they couldn't comment on the situation.
Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.
“Believe me, this is not a decision I made lightly. I know a lot of you have already made traveling plans, and I know how inconveniencing it is to cancel so close to the tour,” Hazelwood wrote. “All I can say is: I hope things change quickly, I hope to be able to travel abroad soon, and I am deeply thankful for your support and your understanding.”
Hazelwood’s decision comes amid concerns from tourists, noncitizens and visa and green card holders about the Trump administration's recent travel bans and border actions.
A flurry of legal U.S. residents were detained or deported following cellphone searches at airports. In one recent instance, a British tourist was allegedly detained for nearly two weeks after attempting to travel from the U.S. to Canada. In another, “an administrative error” led to the deportation of an El Salvador native who had won a court order from an immigration judge to prevent his removal. A Venezuelan soccer player who was awaiting a ruling on his asylum claim was recently deported on suspicion of being a gang member in what his attorney said was a misunderstanding about his soccer-themed tattoo.
And several college activists and academics are proceeding legally against the Trump administration after they were detained and informed them that their lawful permanent resident status was being canceled. The Trump administration has taken steps to cancel visa status for numerous foreign students across the U.S.
Hazelwood boasts an academic pedigree, having relocated to the U.S. to work on a doctoral degree In the field of neuroscience, before dedicating herself fully to writing "STEMinist" romance novels, she worked as a professor.
Supporters quickly flooded the comments section to back Hazelwood’s choice.
"Take whatever measures necessary to ensure your own safety and comfort! ❤️ Perhaps this will demonstrate to those whose votes influence such choices being implemented how their actions affect others," someone commented.
"I hope those who cast their votes for Republicans refrain from picking up another book by Ali Hazelwood. It’s quite disheartening that such a prominent modern romance author feels too afraid to travel abroad due to potential entry restrictions upon her return; this situation, though understandable, remains nauseating," said one commenter. posted to Threads .
"You always come first!!! Love you❤️❤️❤️" fellow author Aster remarked.
Hazelwood mentioned that plans for a virtual event for U.K. readers are underway.
Clare Mulroy serves as the Books Reporter for USA TODAY, covering trending book releases, conducting author interviews, and exploring reading culture. You can find her work there. on Instagram , sign up for our weekly newsletter Books newsletter Or share with her what you're currently reading at cmulroy@DIwida.Blog & News.
The article initially appeared on USA TODAY: Romance writer Ali Hazelwood calls off her UK tour due to concerns about safely returning to the USA.