BURLINGTON, Vt. — Organizers of the Burlington Book Festival are facing criticism over a scheduled appearance by Garrison Keillor, former host of “A Prairie Home Companion.”

The Burlington Free Press reports that Steve Cormier called the decision “tone deaf” because Keillor was accused of sexually harassing a woman who worked on his radio show. Last November, Minnesota Public Radio severed ties with the 75-year-old Keillor over the accusations.

Rick Kisonak, the festival’s founding director, defended his decision and noted Keillor’s contributions to literature.