Festival Cites 'Cultural Sensitivity' for Withdrawal
The Adelaide Festival has come under intense scrutiny and faced a widespread boycott after its board decided to withdraw the invitation extended to Randa Abdel-Fattah, a prominent Palestinian-Australian academic, author, lawyer, and sociologist, from its upcoming Adelaide Writers' Week program. The festival, scheduled to run from March 1 to 17, 2024, made the announcement on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
In a statement, the festival board cited 'cultural sensitivity' concerns following the Bondi terror attack in December 2025. While explicitly stating that they 'do not suggest in any way that Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah's or her writings have any connection with the tragedy at Bondi,' the board concluded that 'given her past statements we have formed the view that it would not be culturally sensitive to continue to program her at this unprecedented time so soon after Bondi.'
Abdel-Fattah Condemns Decision as 'Anti-Palestinian Racism'
Dr. Randa Abdel-Fattah swiftly condemned the festival's decision, describing it as a 'blatant and shameless act of anti-Palestinian racism and censorship.' She further characterized it as a 'despicable attempt to associate me with the Bondi massacre,' emphasizing that she had 'nothing to do with' the atrocity.
Abdel-Fattah stated that the board's reasoning 'strips me of my humanity and agency, reducing me to an object onto which others can project their racist fears and smears.' She called for the festival to issue an apology, retract its statement, and reinstate her invitation.
Writers and Organizations Join Boycott in Solidarity
The decision has triggered a significant backlash within the literary and academic communities, leading to a mass withdrawal of participants from Adelaide Writers' Week. By Friday, January 9, 2026, nearly 50 authors, commentators, and academics had announced their boycott of the event.
Among the prominent figures who have withdrawn are:
- Helen Garner
- Michelle de Kretser
- Chloe Hooper
- Sarah Krasnostein
- Drusilla Modjeska
- Melissa Lucashenko
- Evelyn Araluen
- Trent Dalton
- Jane Caro
- Peter FitzSimons
- Peter Greste
- Professor Chelsea Watego
- Amy Remeikis
- Yanis Varoufakis
- Zadie Smith
- Percival Everett
- M. Gessen
Broader Reactions and Political Context
The controversy has drawn varied reactions from other organizations and political figures. The Jewish Council of Australia condemned the festival's decision, expressing concern over 'another institution has caved to a relentless campaign waged against Dr. Abdel-Fattah and supporters of Palestinians.' Conversely, the Jewish Community Council of South Australia had previously written to the festival organizers advocating for Abdel-Fattah's removal.
The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) has supported calls for a broader boycott of the Adelaide Festival, labeling the decision as 'shamelessly racist.' South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas denied directly pressuring the festival board but stated his agreement with the decision to remove Abdel-Fattah.
This incident follows a similar event in 2025, where more than 50 writers and moderators boycotted the Bendigo Writers' Festival over concerns about a code of conduct that could suppress discussions related to Israel's actions in Gaza.
5 Comments
Kyle Broflovski
Blatant censorship and anti-Palestinian racism. Shameful.
Eric Cartman
Public feelings come first. This was a wise move to maintain peace.
Stan Marsh
The intention to avoid further distress is valid, but the method chosen here has only ignited more controversy and accusations of racism, leading to a massive boycott. Perhaps a moderated discussion or a different format could have addressed concerns without resorting to a ban.
Kyle Broflovski
Solidarity with Dr. Abdel-Fattah! This decision is appalling.
Eric Cartman
Some statements just aren't appropriate for public platforms.