Turmoil at Adelaide Festival Following Disinvitation of Palestinian Author

Tue Jan 13 2026 08:11:41 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Adelaide Festival faces upheaval after the disinvitation of Dr. Randa Abdel-Fattah sparked a mass withdrawal of authors in protest, raising significant questions about free speech and cultural sensitivity.

The Adelaide Festival has plunged into controversy after Dr. Randa Abdel-Fattah, an Australian-Palestinian writer, was disinvited due to concerns over cultural sensitivity following a violent incident in Bondi. In response, over 180 authors, including prominent figures like Jacinda Ardern and Zadie Smith, have withdrawn in protest, leading to resignations on the festival's board. The situation raises critical discussions about freedom of expression in the arts amid political pressures.

One of Australia's biggest cultural festivals has been left in disarray after a decision to disinvite a prominent Australian-Palestinian writer, Dr. Randa Abdel-Fattah, triggering a massive backlash and a mass exodus from fellow authors.

The board of the Adelaide Festival stated that Abdel-Fattah was removed from its Writers' Week lineup due to sensitivities following a shooting incident that resulted in 15 deaths at a Jewish festival in Bondi Beach. Although the board clarified that they did not suggest a connection between Abdel-Fattah and the tragedy, they believed her past statements made it culturally insensitive to include her.

Abdel-Fattah responded by labeling the action as an anti-Palestinian racist act and vehemently criticized the linkage to the Bondi attack.

In reaction to her disinvitation, numerous writers pulled out from the festival, which now counts at least 180 withdrawals among its lineup, including notable figures such as Jacinda Ardern and Zadie Smith. Many critiqued the festival for infringing on freedom of speech.

Furthermore, four members of the eight-member board resigned in the wake of this controversy, leading to questions about the next steps for the festival set to begin in February.

Louise Adler, the director of Writers' Week, expressed that silencing writers compromises freedom of speech.

As the controversy unfolds, it highlights the risks faced by arts and cultural platforms in navigating sensitive political terrains, especially in light of the ongoing conflict regarding Palestine and Israel.