Trigger Warning: Sexual Abuse
To set the scene, the 2015 film Fifty Shades of Grey, based on James’ best-selling book of the same name, made more than $166 million. Although it was a financial hit, some audiences were disappointed and upset about the unrealistic expectation of the main character’s relationship. James wrote and promoted her newest book, Grey, told from the perspective of the love interest named Christian Grey. The @FiftyShadesUK account promoted the author’s Q&A via Twitter, setting up the infamous hashtag. A few fans took the opportunity to ask relevant questions about the Fifty Shades of Grey characters. Critics took the opportunity to use the trending #AskELJames to sarcastically ask the author questions about her characters’ practices. Some users claimed E.L. James was homophobic and ignorant of the BDSM culture in addition to being an overall bad writer. Other topics included consent, stalking and abuse. Although the Twitter chat was only supposed to last on June 29, 2015, users continue to use the hashtag to comment on both sides of the argument.
The responses about the book look like this:
I Love your Book, all of Books, It's my Drug !! I want more !! A volume 5 ?? #AskELJames @E_L_James
— Tiite Chloé (@tiiteclow974) November 14, 2015
@E_L_James #AskELJames what is your favorite book of fifty shades? In my opinion is Fifty Shades Darker
— Hector_King (@hagarcia668) October 9, 2015
#AskELJames Will you write an other book with Anastasia and Christian's children? I hope it!
— Yvonne Di Francia (@YvonneDiFrancia) September 5, 2015
@AskeljamesReply Will you be continuing Christian Grey's POV or is Grey the only insight into Christian's mind we will get? #AskELJames
— Renee Desormeaux (@DesormeauxRenee) July 9, 2015
The opposing side looked like this:
#AskELJames Are you concerned that your books romanticize mentally and emotionally unhealthy/abusive relationships?
— Владимир Абдорашито (@abdorashitovvo1) October 16, 2015
Do you have any regrets over the inevitable consequences of your encouraging women to stay in abusive relationships? #AskELJames
— Тома Слабкович (@SlabkovichToma) October 11, 2015
"Would you encourage your daughter, sister, mother, etc. to stay in relationships like the ones in your books? #AskELJames"
— blinny Bhatt (@LaryushinaTanya) September 4, 2015
#AskELJames How much money does a partner need to earn for them to be 'romantic' instead of abusive? Asking for a friend.
— Patricia Reed (@pattsyreed) August 6, 2015
50 Shades of #AskELJames (For viewing from a Moblie) http://t.co/bg3PJAyDC3 via @EatMoreCakeUK pic.twitter.com/9g28xUotBP
— Bekka Chaplin (@Bekka_Chaplin) July 21, 2015
Other things my TL sheltered me from…thanks so much! #askeljames #ChristiansWhoBought50ShadesofGrey pic.twitter.com/oazWocVjgI
— That Voice (@AprilHayes_) July 11, 2015
"How did Ana graduate from university in the 21st century w'out email address or laptop? #AskELJames TOP QUESTION! http://t.co/aDqhLvSQwv
— RebeccaChance (@MsRebeccaChance) July 16, 2015
I personally see both sides of the story. Some people just want to read it for fun, but on the other hand, some of the characters’ practices are questionable (from what I’ve heard). I will say that #AskELJames set the bar for #AskTrump and #AskRachel.
Other things my TL sheltered me from…thanks so much! #askeljames #ChristiansWhoBought50ShadesofGrey pic.twitter.com/oazWocVjgI
— That Voice (@AprilHayes_) July 11, 2015
Other things my TL sheltered me from…thanks so much! #askeljames #ChristiansWhoBought50ShadesofGrey pic.twitter.com/oazWocVjgI
— That Voice (@AprilHayes_) July 11, 2015
Other things my TL sheltered me from…thanks so much! #askeljames #ChristiansWhoBought50ShadesofGrey pic.twitter.com/oazWocVjgI
— That Voice (@AprilHayes_) July 11, 2015
Other things my TL sheltered me from…thanks so much! #askeljames #ChristiansWhoBought50ShadesofGrey pic.twitter.com/oazWocVjgI
— That Voice (@AprilHayes_) July 11, 2015
Other things my TL sheltered me from…thanks so much! #askeljames #ChristiansWhoBought50ShadesofGrey pic.twitter.com/oazWocVjgI
— That Voice (@AprilHayes_) July 11, 2015
Other things my TL sheltered me from…thanks so much! #askeljames #ChristiansWhoBought50ShadesofGrey pic.twitter.com/oazWocVjgI
— That Voice (@AprilHayes_) July 11, 2015
Very funny topic!