UPDATE: The Adelaide Festival, one of Australia’s largest arts events, has canceled its writers’ week after widespread backlash over the disinvitation of Randa Abdel-Fattah, a renowned Palestinian-Australian author. This decision has sparked a boycott from more than 180 authors and guests, raising urgent questions about freedom of expression in Australia.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the festival’s board expressed regret over the controversy, stating, “Our decision has created more division and for that we express our sincere apologies.” Alongside this, three board members announced their resignation, following the departure of four others, including the festival’s chair, over the weekend.
The uproar began last week when Abdel-Fattah was disinvited due to concerns about “cultural sensitivity” following an antisemitic attack during a Hanukkah celebration in December 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 15 people. This event led prominent figures, including former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, acclaimed authors Zadie Smith and Percival Everett, and former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis, to withdraw from the festival.
Abdel-Fattah has publicly condemned her disinvitation, calling it “a blatant and shameless act of anti-Palestinian racism.” She rejected the board’s apology, stating, “It is clear that the board’s regret extends to how the message of my cancellation was conveyed, not the decision itself.” She added that linking her to the Bondi massacre is “explicitly articulating that I cannot be part of the national discourse,” which she deemed “insulting and racist.”
The festival has faced mounting pressure to address the implications of its actions, with many calling for a complete boycott. In her response on social media, Abdel-Fattah emphasized the absurdity of associating her advocacy for Palestinian rights with a violent act she had no involvement in.
Abdel-Fattah, a fellow at Macquarie University, has a distinguished background as both a scholar and an author, known for her novels and writings on issues such as Islamophobia and social movement activism. Her prior experience includes a boycott of the Bendigo Writers’ Festival in 2025 over similar concerns regarding censorship.
As this situation develops, the Adelaide Festival faces increasing scrutiny over its handling of freedom of expression and cultural sensitivity. Observers are keenly watching how this controversy will shape future discussions about artistic freedom in Australia and the role of public events in a diverse society.
The festival’s cancellation raises critical questions about the boundaries of free speech and the impact of cultural context on artistic expression. With many high-profile figures withdrawing their support, the message is clear: the artistic community is grappling with deeper issues of representation and inclusion.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
