Christopher Hitchens, the controversial author and high-profile atheism activist who was scheduled to speak at Stony Brook University tomorrow evening, has canceled his appearance citing health risks. He was diagnosed in July with terminal esophageal cancer.
The short notice suggests that Hitchens’ health may be wavering. His health has been quickly deteriorating since he was diagnosed nine months ago.
David Mazza, the Undergraduate Student Government VP of Communications, said that the university was made aware of the cancellation at around 5:00pm today.
“All we know is that it’s health related issues,” he said.
Steve Wasserman, Hitchens’ literary agent, said that the decision was not made lightly.
“Suffice it to say that Christopher cancels most reluctantly, but he simply is unable to fulfill this engagement at this time,” he said. “His doctors forbid it.”
While students who had hoped to see Hitchens speak tomorrow will no doubt be disheartened over the news, the cancellation is an even bigger disappointment for people who were traveling from far greater distances.
One gentleman coming from South Africa to hear Hitchens speak is already here, according to Moiz Khan, the director of the Student Programming Agency.
Students were able to pick up free tickets at the Student Activities Center box office, but non-students paid $30 for tickets.
“Anyone who bought a ticket can request a refund by email,” said Khan. Non-students were sent an email informing them of the cancellation.
It’s unclear whether this particular health issue that forced the cancellation will subside enough to reschedule “We definitely will attempt to reschedule,” said Mazza.
Christopher Hitchens – one of the smartest primates ever to walk on planet earth. Get well soon.
#winning
Christopher’s writing has been transformative for me. I owe him a very large debt of gratitude and wish him the very best, always.
I love you, Mr. Hitchens! We heathens are pulling for your recovery.
Christopher Hitchens is going to heaven (see http://bit.ly/fVWa7C).
I hope this isn’t TOO serious, Hitch. I’m sorry you had to cancel. I’m hoping so very hard for your continuing ability to tour & talk and hope this is just a minor “bump” along the way. As Mr. Koonce said below, “We need you sir!” Indeed we do!
So sad to hear this. Keep taking care of yourself, Hitch!! XOXOXOXOXO
Dear Mr. Hitchens,
Given that the planet is woefully short of interesting people at the moment I’m going to request that you make a full recovery and live to a ripe old age. I’m afraid I’m going to have to insist on this.
I hope for your recovery and comfort. We need you.
I like to simply send a get well message to christopher hitchens. My son and I talk about him all the time. His ideas have changed my life forever. Thank you sir.
My life has also changed forever, like so many others who have been privileged to read his books and watch his debates. A voice of reason who has contributed so much to real enlightenment.
You are constantly in our thoughts, Christopher……
Isn’t it great news about parallel universes? In one, not too far from now, the brilliant Christopher Hitchens lives to be a hundred!
Best wishes, Hitch. We need your voice.
What I would give to hear you speak in person…
Get better, Mr. Hitchens, we need you.
Hitch, get well soon and I hope to see you in Glasgow sometime. You are welcome to stay at my house, no charge of course.
My thoughts exactly. There aren’t enough people like Hitch so he must stay with us. He simply must.
I think Hitchens’ health tells us something about the true efficacy of his intelligence, why should I beleive the intolerant dismissal of theism and ID from the same person who damages his own health when the risks of boozing and smoking are well documenetd by science?
People need to think twice before falling for some of Hitchens’ claims.
Atheists are more offensive than radical fundamentalists. Atheism (as opposed to faith or agnosticism) reveals a dead soul.
Thanks Brainiac, I certainly can see how the two matters link together….er NOT!
Just another example of critical halloucegenics displayed by various dolts out there.
@ Dog Mighty “Atheists are more offensive than radical fundamentalists. Atheism (as opposed to faith or agnosticism) reveals a dead soul”
I am cracking up….
….Soul eh? Why should you be offended if someone else chooses not to inhabit your afterlife?.I would accept your right to be so personally afronted if Christopher stated YOU have no right to your beliefs.He has never stated that,only presented cogent arguments to which most replies have been found wanting.
I think you need psychiatric help!
If you cannot recognize the liveliest of “souls” somebody as thoughtful and engaged and passionate as Christopher Hitchens, YOU’RE the one with the dead soul.
Christopher, I hope you are feeling better! I have been re-reading all your books and articles (long-time Vanity Fair reader)over the past few months and you have been in my thoughts every day. <3
Get well Mr Hitchens, I will light a candle and pray for you tonight.
“Think twice?” People who are at all interested in what Hitchens has contributed have, by definition, thought and rethought many times. That’s what Hitchens is all about: thinking and rethinking. The alternative is “belief,” the attenuated intellectual system of zombies.
Hitchens never claimed that alcohol and tobacco use didn’t have negative health implications, in fact he cited these habits as a probable factor for his current condition. Regardless, why would the content of his dialogue be deflected by his lifestyle? If it’s science you’re after, you could read “The Greatest Show on Earth” by Richard Dawkins, it will clear up that ID nonsense for you.
If there was a God you wouldn’t be sick Hitch, some nut like Gaddifi would have cancer, ya know? Please stay with us, for just for a little while longer, I’m sure the planet isn’t going to last too long anyway and we need your dry British humour to get us thru it all!!!
Harry, Hitch isn’t asking you to believe anything he says. You are welcome to your world of make believe where snakes talk and dead men walk again. Also, no rational thinking person could “fall” for what he says anyway. It’s mostly basic common sense. Come on Hitch, let’s see you up and about again. I just read you’re superb column in Slate.
Hi Hitch
I hope that this is only a ‘speed hump’ and that you recover 100%. You are an inspiration!
We’ve read, watched, and listened from afar, Nome, Alaska, always appreciating Mr. Hitchens. We wish him the best, always.
If everyone could return the inspiration you have given, then you would be doing cart wheels now. You will never stop changing the world even when your not feeling well.
Much love 匚卄尺工ち匕口ㄗ卄モ尺 卄工匕匚卄モれち !!
250,000 Iraqi kids who had their arms blown off, faces burned, or born deformed are laughing at you!!! Mass murdering freak!
You have made the world a better place with rational thought. Keep on keepin’ on. Your words will live forever. ‘Do not go gentle into that good night’ and ‘Rage, rage against the dying of the light’
Your opinion only, Dog Mighty. A “dead soul” is one who lacks awareness of and respect for his fellow creatures, humans or non. Off the top of my head I can think of a dozen well-known fundamentalists who would easily qualify for the label.
Such a beautiful voice, such a gentleman, come on Hitch, you can do it, fight like you’ve never fought before!
I love this guy. I hope Mr. Hitchens gets well. I’ve learned a lot from watching his debates and style of argumentation, and was able to relate it back to my own work in law school. I wish I could send him something or do something for him. You have to admire him. If you look at his more recent debates, he’s still the same strong man that he has always been. It takes real courage to look death in the face and tell it to “F*ck off,” which is what I think Christopher is doing. He’ll be remembered as one of the greatest minds of our time. You just wait and see. Get well, Christopher! There are a lot of people out there that care about you. You’re a shining light in a dark world.
What part of the word “terminal” don’t you well-wishers understand?