Ekman was elected member of the Swedish Academy in 1978, but left the Academy in 1989, together with Lars Gyllensten and Werner Aspenström, due to the debate following death threats posed to Salman Rushdie.
Ekman valiti Rootsi Akadeemia liikmeks 1978, kuid lahkus sealt 1989 koos Lars Gyllensteni ja Werner Aspenströmiga vaidluste tõttu, mis puhkesid seoses Salman Rushdiele tehtud tapmisähvardustega.