Michael Ondaatje, Francine Prose and at least four other writers have withdrawn from next month’s PEN American gala, citing objections to the literary and human rights organization’s honouring the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. […] “I was quite upset as soon as I heard about [the award],” Prose, a former PEN American president, told The Associated Press during a telephone interview Sunday night. Prose said she was in favour of “freedom of speech without limitations” and that she “deplored” the January shootings, but added that giving an award signified “admiration and respect” for the honoree’s work. “I couldn’t imagine being in the audience when they have a standing ovation for Charlie Hebdo,” Prose said. […] Prose and Ondaatje were among more than 60 writers scheduled to serve as hosts. According to PEN, the other hosts who decided not to attend were Teju Cole, Rachel Kushner, Taiye Selasi and Peter Carey. More here.