Adelaide Writers’ Week Canceled After It Disinvited Palestinian Australian Author
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- The Adelaide Writers’ Week festival in Australia was canceled after organizers disinvited Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah, sparking a major controversy over free speech.
- The board removed Abdel-Fattah from the program, citing cultural sensitivity concerns following a recent terror attack at a Hanukkah gathering in Sydney.
- Approximately 180 of the 240 scheduled writers, including notable figures like Zadie Smith, Percival Everett, and Jacinda Ardern, withdrew in protest against the decision.
- Half of the festival’s board, including its chair, resigned, and the director stepped down, condemning the silencing of writers.
- The board later apologized for disinviting Abdel-Fattah and announced the festival
