Katherine Diez releases book amid plagiarism controversy in Denmark

Katherine Diez, 35, is set to release her book, “I egen barm,” today, following a controversy surrounding allegations of plagiarism. Between 2018 and 2022, Diez wrote 94 columns and reviews for a Danish newspaper where 13 instances of plagiarism were identified, violating the publication’s citation guidelines. In a podcast interview, she expressed personal accountability for her actions and the content of her book.

The plagiarism allegations emerged when Diez received an Instagram message while dining with friends in Copenhagen, advising her to properly cite sources when drawing from others’ work. This led to widespread rumors on social media that she had pilfered text from fellow writers and experts. The issue gained traction, prompting an investigation by the newspaper, which uncovered 13 cases of plagiarism in her submissions.

In hindsight, Diez acknowledged having an irresponsible and careless approach to her work, explaining her desperation for validation led her to compromise her integrity. She also revealed that she never completed her bachelor’s degree, despite previously stating otherwise.

Over the past nine months, she has remained largely silent on the plagiarism scandal and the public breakup with her former partner, chef Adam Price. Recently, however, she was contacted by a publisher interested in her story, leading to the opportunity to tell her side through her book.

In “I egen barm,” Diez discusses her tumultuous upbringing and her unhealthy pursuit of acceptance within Denmark’s cultural elite. She emphasizes her authorship and takes responsibility for her narrative, stating, “This is my story, and I am still scared, but I take responsibility for every word.”