Following the attack in August 2022, author Salman Rushdie expressed mixed feelings about confronting his alleged assailant in court. Hadi Matar, 24, stands accused of stabbing Rushdie multiple times during a speaking engagement in Chautauqua, New York.

In a recent BBC interview, Rushdie admitted to being torn between the desire to face Matar and a sense of apathy towards the entire ordeal. "Part of me wants to be in the courtroom, to look him in the eye," Rushdie stated, "but another part simply doesn't see the point."

Rushdie also acknowledged the possibility of not attending the trial if Matar pleads guilty, as sentencing wouldn't necessarily require his presence. He further expressed a low opinion of Matar and emphasized his focus on moving forward with his life and recovery.

The attack left Rushdie with severe injuries, including the loss of sight in one eye, liver damage, and nerve damage in his arm, requiring a six-week hospital stay. He is currently working on a book about the traumatic experience, describing it as a significant hurdle he must overcome before he can fully concentrate on other matters.

Matar faces charges of attempted second-degree murder and second-degree assault. The incident reignited discussions about the 1989 fatwa issued against Rushdie by Iran following the publication of his controversial novel, "The Satanic Verses." While the Iranian government has distanced itself from the decree, anti-Rushdie sentiment persists, and a bounty for his death was even increased by an Iranian religious foundation in 2012.