This post provides answers to a number of questions that the JF editors have received about the recent withdrawal of an accepted article in the JF: https://doi.org/10.1111/jofi.13164
Why a withdrawal and not a retraction?
Retractions are for articles that have been formally published in their version of record. A retracted article stays online, but with a link to a retraction notice. Withdrawals are for forthcoming articles that are posted online but are not yet published in their version of record. In the case of a withdrawal, the article is removed. The article in question was not yet published in its version of record, hence the withdrawal.
Who made the decision to withdraw the article?
The decision was made by the editorial team that was in charge of the JF until the end of June 2022 (and which still handles submissions received before July 1, 2022). As is standard policy, editors with conflict of interest recused themselves from the process.
How was the decision reached?
The decision was reached after an investigation that involved input from external reviewers.
What prompted the investigation?
The investigation was initiated after the editorial team received an emailed complaint.