Romance author Ali Hazelwood cancels UK tours over doubt she could 'safely' return to US

USA Today

02-04-2025

Romance author Ali Hazelwood cancels UK tours over doubt she could 'safely' return to US
An internationally bestselling author is canceling and refunding all her U.K. tour events, citing border concerns with leaving and reentering the U.S., where she lives.
Ali Hazelwood, known for BookTok sensations like 'The Love Hypothesis' and 'Bride,' posted on Instagram Wednesday about the 'disappointing' decision to cancel because 'it's not possible for me to safely travel outside and then back inside the US,' she wrote.
Hazelwood, originally from Italy, now resides in the U.S. She was originally booked for several U.K. appearances, including one with 'Summer in the City' author Alex Aster. It's unclear whether Hazelwood is a naturalized U.S. citizen, visa or green card holder. USA TODAY has reached out to Hazelwood's reps at Penguin Random House for comment.
'Believe me, this is not a decision I made lightly. I know a lot of you have already made traveling plans, and I know how inconveniencing it is to cancel so close to the tour,' Hazelwood wrote. 'All I can say is: I hope things change quickly, I hope to be able to travel abroad soon, and I am deeply thankful for your support and your understanding.'
Hazelwood's decision comes amid concerns from tourists, noncitizens and visa and green card holders about the Trump administration's recent travel bans and border actions.
A flurry of legal U.S. residents were detained or deported following cellphone searches at airports. In one recent instance, a British tourist was allegedly detained for nearly two weeks after attempting to travel from the U.S. to Canada. In another, 'an administrative error' led to the deportation of an El Salvador native who had won a court order from an immigration judge to prevent his removal. A Venezuelan soccer player who was awaiting a ruling on his asylum claim was recently deported on suspicion of being a gang member in what his attorney said was a misinterpretation of his soccer-related tattoo.
And several college activists and academics are taking legal action against the Trump administration after they were detained and told their lawful permanent resident status was being revoked. The Trump administration has moved to revoke visas for hundreds of noncitizen students across the U.S.
Hazelwood has a background in academia, having moved to the U.S. to pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience. Before becoming a full-time author of "STEMinist" romance novels, she taught as a professor.
Fans rushed to the comments to offer support for Hazelwood's decision.
"Do what you need to to keep yourself safe and comfortable!❤️ Maybe this will show readers whose votes lead to decisions like this being made will see the impact of their actions,' one wrote.
"I hope everyone who voted republican doesn't pick up an Ali Hazelwood book again. The fact that one of the most prolific contemporary romance writers at the moment is scared to leave the United States because she won't be let back in is extremely valid, but sickening nonetheless," one user posted to Threads.
"You come first!!! Love you❤️❤️❤️" fellow author Aster commented.
A virtual event for U.K. readers is in the works, Hazelwood wrote.
Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY's Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what you're reading at [e-mail].