Lecture host says his concern is for Salman Rushdie and ‘what he means in the world’

Henry Reese, who sustained severe bruising himself during the incident, said it would be “my ideal” to one day return to the venue and continue the conversation with Mr Rushdie.

Author Salman Rushdie talks about the start of his writing career, during the Mississippi Book Festival, in Jackson, Miss., on Aug. 18, 2018. Picture: AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File

The moderator of the event during which Salman Rushdie was attacked onstage said his concern is for the writer “himself, but also what he means in the world”.

Henry Reese said the incident in New York highlighted more than ever the values that Mr Rushdie stands for.