Richard Dawkins event cancelled over his 'abusive speech against Islam'

Berkeley's KPFA Radio cancels appearance by evolutionary biologist after learning of his 'hurtful speech' against the religion - a charge the author contests

Richard Dawkins has denied using "abusive speech against Islam" after a California radio station cancelled a book event with the scientist, citing his comments on Islam, which it said had "offended and hurt " so many people".

Dawkins, whose bestselling study of evolution, The Selfish Gene, was named the most influential science book of all time by the Royal Society last week, was lined up to speak about his memoir A Brief Candle in the Dark at an event hosted by Berkeley's KPFA Radio in August.