Harlan Ellison breast grabbing incident (2006)

Harlan Ellison grabbed Connie Willis' breast live on stage at a Hugo Awards ceremony. Widely perceived as offensive, including reportedly by Willis herself, Ellison contended throughout Fall of 2006 that the gesture was intended as a playful gesture in response to Willis' comment about his infantile behavior. At times he acknowledged that his behavior was boorish, but apparently felt that it was in keeping with his widespread reputation as "outspoken" and "obnoxious". However, fans thoroughly fisked the incident and his responses afterwards, and brought to light numerous other incidents of "obnoxious" behavior that reflected gender-specific targeting of inappropriate behavior.

Discussions and commentary at:

• Feminist SF - The Blog ("Yes, Harlan Ellison has always been a sexist creep - and he still is")
• Making Light - Patrick Nielsen Hayden
• [http://www.benjaminrosenbaum.com/blog/archives/2006_08.html#000395 Ben

Rosenbaum's open letter to Harlan Ellison]

• Harlan's "apologetic" comment (need link)