The Adelaide Festival has sparked a major controversy by removing prominent academic and author Randa Abdel-Fattah from its upcoming Writers' Week programme. The board cited concerns over 'cultural sensitivity' in the wake of the Bondi terror attack, a decision Abdel-Fattah has condemned as 'blatant and shameless' anti-Palestinian racism.
A Decision Based on 'Community Context'
In a statement released on Thursday, the festival's board explained it had undertaken a review of its operations following the 'tragic events at Bondi' and a perceived heightening of community tensions. The board stated it had 'formed the judgment' not to proceed with Abdel-Fattah's scheduled appearance next month.
While the board stressed it did not suggest Abdel-Fattah or her work had any connection to the Bondi tragedy, it said the move was made 'given her past statements'. The board argued it would not be culturally sensitive to programme her 'so soon after Bondi' at this 'unprecedented time'.
Accusations of Racism and Censorship
Randa Abdel-Fattah responded swiftly and forcefully. In her own statement, she accused the board of reducing her to an object for 'racist fears and smears'. She argued the logic of the decision implied that her 'mere presence' as a Palestinian was considered a trigger and threatening, rendering her 'persona non grata' in cultural circles.
'The Board’s reasoning suggests that I, a Palestinian who had nothing to do with the Bondi atrocity, am somehow a trigger for those in mourning,' she stated. Abdel-Fattah also criticised Australian arts institutions at large for showing 'utter contempt and inhumanity towards Palestinians' since the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023.
Widespread Fallout and Solidarity Withdrawals
The decision has triggered significant backlash within the literary community. Several writers and a key sponsor announced their withdrawal from the festival in solidarity with Abdel-Fattah.
The Australia Institute pulled its sponsorship for the 2026 event, stating that 'censoring or cancelling authors' contradicted the festival's spirit of free expression. Award-winning poet Evelyn Araluen and academic Chelsea Watego were among the first authors to publicly withdraw, calling the move a 'devastating betrayal' and an act of censorship.
Publisher Pink Shorts Press, which has multiple authors scheduled at the event, strongly condemned the decision and is reconsidering its collaboration with the festival. Former festival director Jo Dyer also expressed being 'appalled' by the board's action.
This incident follows a similar controversy in late 2024, when Abdel-Fattah was among dozens who pulled out of the Bendigo Writers' Festival after it introduced a last-minute code of conduct. Furthermore, in December 2025, she was cleared of any wrongdoing after an investigation into potential conflicts of interest and spending queries, which had been launched amid criticism of her comments on Israel.
Ongoing Review and Future Implications
The Adelaide Festival board has established a subcommittee to oversee an ongoing review and guide future decisions for Writers' Week. The board acknowledged its decision was 'subjective in nature' and that others would form different judgments.
With more than 150 writers still on the lineup, including Palestinian poet Najwan Darwish and economist Yanis Varoufakis, the festival now faces a critical test of its reputation as a forum for 'open and challenging discourse'. The fallout underscores deepening tensions within Australian cultural institutions regarding free speech, racial sensitivity, and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
