A Tennessee library director was fired after actor and writer Kirk Cameron accused him of “unkind” treatment during a Christian children’s reading event.
The Sumner County Library Board booted Allan Morales from his Hendersonville library post Wednesday in a 4-3 vote in relation “to the Kirk Cameron event,” the Tennessean reported.
Morales allegedly ruffled Cameron’s feathers when the “Growing Pains” actor got here to town, just 18 miles east of Nashville, on Feb. 25 to advertise his spiritual children’s book, “As You Grow.”
“Despite the rain and the unkind pushback (from one disgruntled librarian), an OVERFLOW crowd of families, mayors, county commissioners, and celebs welcomed and joined us on the library in Hendersonville, TN. for singing the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, praying and teaching faith in God and moral values to our youngsters,” Cameron wrote in a Facebook post three days after the event.
The event — which also included former University of Kentucky women’s swimmer Riley Gaines and Missy Robertson of “Duck Dynasty” — was expected to attract a giant crowd, which caused Morales to develop into concerned over the limited space contained in the local branch.
“Our invitation was sincere to read a book during our story time,” Morales told a representative of Brave Books, who joined forces with Kirk on the book, in a Feb. 22 email obtained by the Tennessean.
“We guard that point since it is for babies and never adults. We work hard at not promoting any agendas left or right.”
Morales tried convincing the publisher to maneuver the event to a church in town, a suggestion that was ultimately brushed off.
The event was held on the Hendersonville library as planned, where children happily sat on the ground of a packed room.
Gaines — who has stirred up headlines by speaking out against allowing transgender athletes to compete — told the outlet the stress between Morales and Cameron was palpable leading as much as and throughout all the event.
Cameron accused Morales of speaking too loud during a promotional filming session contained in the library, though the swimmer is unsure Morales did so intentionally.
“It’s not an accurate representation of Hendersonville, Gallatin or Sumner County,” Gaines, an area to Sumner County, said.
“I hate that it resulted in termination. I don’t know if it was politically driven. There have been bomb threats, numerous things occurring. I don’t know whether it is an accurate representation of him.”
Hendersonville police arrested 49-year-old Mark Frakl Thursday for allegedly making the bomb threats last month and for repeatedly harassing the library staff from his Connecticut home.
He had sent at the very least 14 emails over a brief time frame threatening “death and blowing up the constructing,” police said.
The defeated former director didn’t say whether he felt strife with the actor, but wished to depart the incident behind.
“I just have chosen to not say anything,” Morales said. “I don’t wish to add to all this. I’m hoping now that they’ve fired me that the community can move on. There’s not much of a degree to giving my side. At end of the day I don’t hate anybody.”
Brave Books didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment.
