AI-written books at Barnes & Noble? CEO clarifies statement that stirred calls for boycott
Key takeaways
- James Daunt, the chief executive credited with breathing new life into the retailer, is clarifying the store’s stance on stocking its shelves with AI-written books.
- The controversy stems from Daunt’s Monday appearance on “Today” with Jenna Bush Hager.
- By Wednesday, thousands of calls to boycott the bookseller had flooded social media.
After Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt said the store would stock AI-written books, calls to boycott the retailer circulated online. Now the bookseller is clarifying the store’s stance. (Steve Mack / Getty Images) By Emily St. Martin Staff Writer Follow May 20, 2026 4:30 PM PT 1 5 min Click here to listen to this article Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X Linked In Threads Reddit Whats App Copy Link URL Copied! Print 0:00 0:00 1x This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
Barnes & Noble was turning a page on the chain’s history of declining sales, but recent comments have stirred bad blood for the bookseller.
James Daunt, the chief executive credited with breathing new life into the retailer, is clarifying the store’s stance on stocking its shelves with AI-written books.