George RR Martin rallies behind author of Yellowface - who was snubbed from prestigious Hugo Awards 'over criticism of China' - as she slams publishing world for 'censorship'

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The author of hit bestseller Yellowface has slammed 'censorship' as her award-winning book Babel was crowned ' Best Novel' at the Alfie Awards, hosted by George RR Martin.

Rebecca F Kuang hit out at the prestigious Hugo Awards - after earlier this year being excluded from the shortlist despite being critically renowned - with reports claiming that writers were snubbed if their work was flagged as being potentially politically sensitive in China, where the awards were held last year.

The Hugos are one of biggest accolades for science fiction and fantasy works.

According to The Guardian, leaked emails suggested that novelists were flagged if their works 'focused on China, Taiwan, Tibet, or other topics that may be an issue *in* China'.

Rebecca's book Babel tells the story of Robin, a boy who is taken from China to become an Oxford University student, and is set in a world where translators practice a unique form of magic. It is known for being critical of British imperialism, capitalism and the academic world as a whole.

The author of hit bestseller Yellowface has slammed 'censorship' as her award-winning book Babel was crowned ' Best Novel' at the Alfie Awards, hosted by George RR Martin 

In an Instagram post this weekend, Rebecca, 28, penned a heartfelt thank-you message for her 'favorite award that is most definitely not a Hugo'. 

'It was incredibly kind of George R.R. Martin to host the Alfies this year for those censored out of the Hugos last year,' she said.

'And I will treasure my hood ornament turned trophy forever….walking around Glasgow in happy disbelief.'

Images in the photo carousel show the delighted author proudly making a speech as George RR Martin stands alongside her. 

Earlier this year, Rebecca took to social media to talk about being left out from the Hugos. 

'I initially planned to say nothing about Babel's inexplicable disqualification from the Hugo Awards,' she wrote on Instagram.

'But I believe that these cases thrive on ambiguities, the lingering question marks, the answers that aren't answers.

'I wish to clarify that no reason for Babel's ineligibilty was given to me or my team. I did not decline a nomination, as no nomination was offered.

In an Instagram post this weekend, Rebecca, 28, penned a heartfelt thank-you message for her 'favorite award that is most definitely not a Hugo'

Rebecca's book Babel tells the story of Robin, a boy who is taken from China to become an Oxford University student, and is set in a world where translators practice a unique form of magic

'Until one is provided  that explains why the book was eligible for the Nebula and Locus awards, which it won, and not the Hugos, I assume this was a matter of undesirabilty rather than ineligibility.

'Excluding "undesirable" work is not only embarrassing for all involved parties but renders the entire process and organisation illegitimate. Pity. That's all from me. I have books to write.' 

The Guardian reported that in January, the Hugo awards statistics from last year - which was held as part of the World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) in Chengdu, China in 2023 - showed that Rebecca and fantasy YA author Xiran Jay Zhao were among the writers who could have been on the ballot in their categories as they received enough nominations - but were called 'not eligible' without further explanation.

According to the outlet, a leaked email from Dave McCarty, the head of the 2023 awards jury, read: 'We need to highlight anything of a sensitive political nature in the work. It’s not necessary to read everything, but if the work focuses on China, Taiwan, Tibet, or other topics that may be an issue *in* China … 

'That needs to be highlighted so that we can determine if it is safe to put it on the ballot or if the law will require us to make an administrative decision about it.'

According to The Miami Student, McCarty and World Science Fiction Society board chair Kevin Standlee have both since resigned from their positions.

A report on File770, regarding the leaks was collated by Chris M Barkley and Jason Sanford, who are journalists.

The Alfies - which George RR Martin first held in 2016 after the Hugos were, as reported by the Guardian 'hijacked by a high-profile, rightwing campaign for the second year in a row'.

Also honoured at this year's Alfies was Xiran - author of the bestselling Iron Widow (pictured left, next to George and Rebecca)

Dubbed the 'Sad Puppies', the group didn't want to shortlist works which were 'niche, academic, overtly to the left in ideology and flavour, and ultimately lacking what might best be called visceral, gut-level, swashbuckling fun'.

A breakaway group called the 'Rabid Puppies' was also formed. 

In protest, George set up the Alfie Awards - named after Alfred Bester, the first ever winner of the Hugos. 

George doesn't have the Alfies annually - but rather as a gesture if he feels someone that wasn't honoured should be, File 770 explained.

In 2018, he awarded John Picacio for the Mexicanx Initiative. The following year, he gave Jane Johnson and Malcolm Edwards Alfies for their working in editing. 

And this year, he decided to shine the spotlight on those who were excluded from the Hugos for 'censorship'. 

Also honoured at this year's Alfies was Xiran - author of the bestselling Iron Widow - who took to X to write: 'Tfw you got disqualified from the Hugo Awards last year for proven political censorship but then George RR Martin rings you up to give you a consolation prize

'Congrats and solidarity with fellow winners RF Kuang and Paul Weimer (who unfortunately couldn't be at the dinner)!'

MailOnline has reached out to the Hugo Awards for comment.