The Adelaide festival is facing a growing boycott after it removed Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah from its 2026 writers’ week lineup. The festival board cited concerns over “cultural sensitivity” in the wake of the Bondi terror attack as the reason for its decision.
A Wave of Withdrawals
Dozens of authors, journalists, media personalities, and even a sponsor, the Australia Institute, have now announced they will not participate in the festival. Confirmed withdrawals as of Friday morning include writers Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper, Sarah Krasnostein, and Miles Franklin winner Michelle de Kretser, alongside commentators Jane Caro and Peter FitzSimons. Hannah Ferguson, Peter Greste, Jonathan Green, Prof Chelsea Watego, and Amy Remeikis are also boycotting the event.
Authors Bri Lee and Madeleine Gray have stated they will only participate if Abdel-Fattah is reinstated.
Abdel-Fattah, a Macquarie University academic, had previously appeared at the festival in 2023. The festival board stated its decision was not based on any connection between Abdel-Fattah and the Bondi tragedy, but “given her past statements.” Those statements have included alleging Zionists had “no claim or right to cultural safety” and have drawn sustained criticism from some groups.
Differing Perspectives
Former NSW premier and federal foreign affairs minister Bob Carr, while a critic of Israel’s invasion of Gaza, publicly supported the board’s decision. He argued that some of Abdel-Fattah’s previous statements were counterproductive to the Palestinian cause and that, given the recent events at Bondi, the board’s choice was reasonable. Carr believes the festival should be supported and that those sympathetic to Palestine should continue to participate.
However, many others have condemned the decision. Author Hannah Kent described it as a “gross act of discrimination and censorship,” while reporter Amy Remeikis criticized the board’s “deliberate choice to silence” Abdel-Fattah without clear justification.
Abdel-Fattah herself expressed her dismay, stating the decision was an “obscene attempt to associate me with an atrocity” and a demonstration of “egregious and unabashed anti-Palestinian” views. She has called for an apology, retraction of the statement, and reinstatement of her invitation.
What Happens Next?
The situation remains fluid. It is possible more speakers will withdraw from the festival, particularly if the board does not reverse its decision. The festival may attempt to engage in further dialogue with the dissenting voices, but a resolution appears unlikely in the short term. Depending on the scale of the boycott, the festival could face significant logistical and reputational challenges. Conversely, the board may stand firm, believing it has acted in the best interests of the community given the sensitive circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Adelaide festival to remove Randa Abdel-Fattah from the lineup?
The festival board stated it removed Abdel-Fattah due to concerns over “cultural sensitivity” in the wake of the Bondi terror attack, citing her “past statements.”
Who has withdrawn from the festival in protest?
Dozens of authors, journalists, media personalities, and the Australia Institute have withdrawn, including Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper, Michelle de Kretser, Jane Caro, Peter FitzSimons, and many others.
What is Randa Abdel-Fattah’s response to being removed from the festival?
Abdel-Fattah has condemned the decision as an “obscene attempt to associate me with an atrocity” and called for an apology and reinstatement.
How do arts festivals balance freedom of expression with community sensitivities in the wake of tragic events?
