Writers Boycott Adelaide Festival Over Randa Abdel-Fattah Exclusion

Prominent authors withdraw from event, citing censorship and discrimination concerns

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:40pm

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A close-up painting of an old-fashioned fountain pen resting on a weathered wooden desk, bathed in warm, golden light, conveying the contemplative and timeless nature of the written word.The vibrant literary community's boycott of the Adelaide Festival over the exclusion of a prominent Palestinian voice reflects the ongoing tensions between cultural sensitivity and the fundamental right to free expression.Chicago Today

A major controversy has erupted at the Adelaide Festival, with dozens of writers and prominent figures taking a stand against the festival's decision to exclude Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah from its annual writers' week lineup. The fallout has sparked a wave of boycotts and a heated debate about cultural sensitivity and freedom of expression.

Why it matters

The controversy highlights the delicate balance between freedom of speech and cultural sensitivity. While some argue the festival's decision is a reasonable response to a sensitive situation, others see it as a form of discrimination and a betrayal of the democratic ethos the festival has upheld in the past.

The details

The festival board released a statement citing concerns over cultural sensitivity in the wake of the Bondi terror attack, claiming Abdel-Fattah's past statements, though unrelated to the tragedy, led to the decision to exclude her. This move has been met with strong opposition from writers, journalists, and media personalities, who argue it sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the principles the festival stands for. The debate has also drawn comparisons to a similar mass walkout at the 2025 Bendigo writers' festival over a last-minute code of conduct.

  • The controversy erupted in April 2026 ahead of the Adelaide Festival.

The players

Randa Abdel-Fattah

A Palestinian Australian author and academic at Macquarie University who was excluded from the Adelaide Festival's writers' week lineup.

Adelaide Festival Board

The organizers of the Adelaide Festival who made the decision to exclude Randa Abdel-Fattah, citing concerns over cultural sensitivity.

Helen Garner

A renowned Australian author who is leading the boycott of the Adelaide Festival in solidarity with Randa Abdel-Fattah.

Bob Carr

A former New South Wales premier who has supported the Adelaide Festival board's decision, arguing that some of Abdel-Fattah's previous statements have been counterproductive to the Palestinian cause.

The Australia Institute

A public policy think tank that has withdrawn its sponsorship for the 2026 Adelaide Festival, citing a departure from the festival's values of bravery and freedom of expression.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.