Adelaide Writers’ Week Cancelled After Backlash Over Abdel-Fattah Disinvitation
TL;DR
Adelaide Writers’ Week 2026 was cancelled amid a mass walkout after the festival board disinvited Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah over “cultural sensitivities” following a Bondi attack. More than 180 authors and speakers withdrew, the board resigned (save for the city council representative), and Louise Adler, the director, also resigned. A new board led by Judy Potter was named to steer a scaled-back Adelaide Festival, with refunds for ticketholders. Abdel-Fattah rejected the board’s apology, calling the move racist and an attack on free speech; the government emphasized safeguarding the festival’s future.
Topics:worldculture#adelaide#adelaide-writers-week#culture#festival-cancellation#freedom-of-expression#randa-abdel-fattah
- Adelaide writers’ week 2026 cancelled as board apologises to Randa Abdel-Fattah for ‘how decision was represented’ The Guardian
- Adelaide Writers’ Week Canceled After It Disinvited Palestinian Australian Author The New York Times
- Literary festival axed after high profile authors join mass walkout over dumped Palestinian writer CNN
- Adelaide Writers Week canceled as 180 speakers withdraw after the exclusion of a Palestinian writer AP News
- Top Australian writers' festival cancelled after Palestinian author barred Reuters
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