Salman Rushdie uses first public appearance since stabbing to praise 'heroes' who saved him

Salman Rushdie gave a surprise speech at the Pen America gala in New York City, his first public appearance since he was attacked on stage last August.

Rushdie joked that it was 'nice to be back – as opposed to not being back, which was also an option'. The author, whose writing led to death threats from Iran in the 1980s, was stabbed in the neck and torso in August 2022 as he was about to give a lecture in western New York.

The Guardian on YouTube:

#SalmanRushdie #PenAmerica #Stabbing #Author #News

[Babaziba]

I am so glad he is still with us, and his levels of humility and gratitude are rare in the land of "me me me".

[richardhedd]

What a kind, gentle, and thoughtful man. I'm so glad he's still with us.

[aspiknf]

The people who want to hurt him are cowards. Salman Rushie is a brave man and he did nothing wrong.

[tferbornin]

His bravery is a reminder that we must keep up the fight against all who would harm others in the name of any so called religion

[ghall]

It is devastating that such a graceful and thoughtful man is targeted by these animals.

[TheLokiBiz]

The attack seems to have mostly just made Rushdie look kinda badass. The half-blacked out glasses are genuinely cool looking, like a bond villain or something lol

[YesItsReallyKeith]

May you live in peace Salman !!! No one should go through what you went through and still are going through for writing words !!!!

[OneWithTheUniverse]

His humility highlights the hypocrisy of radicalism.
Thank you sir for continuing to speak truth.

[Brian-nthh]

Not a writer only, he is a great human being in humor and thought. Fairness in thought, fairness in intention, fairness in action, fairness can save us as a species and make us the best we can become.

[henrsrz]

Thank you Salman Rushdie. A victory for freedoms of thought and expression. Our

[DreadedDormammu]

A lot of evil people in the comments supporting the attack.

[Cyrusw]

What a trooper this man is so inspiring. so humble after decades of hate, but after this attack in question, his attitude is so inspiring.

[litonmishra]

A great writer, a thinker and a great proponent of democracy and Freedom

[troygaspard]

Enjoyed his latest novel Victory City. You can't silence imagination.

[blazingamr]

A true hero. An example of bravery and freedom. ❤❤

[qamarm]

I salute this brave and courageous big heart ❤️ appreciate you for your creative talent . Thanks 👍

[gerhardclement]

Salman Rushdie 💪💪💪alles liebe aus Deutschland.
You are a hero to many of my generation 🫶🌞

[arkdark]

That was one of the most horrific attacks I’ve seen in my entire life.

[EgbertWilliams]

And don't forget the sneak attack by a coward with a knife on behalf of other cowards afraid of words.

[theshuriken]

thanks to all brave american who saved this brave author