Full Story Randa Abdel-Fattah speaks to Nour Haydar about the Adelaide festival
Jan 15, 2026
Randa Abdel-Fattah, a Palestinian Australian writer and anti-racism advocate, opens up about her controversial disinvitation from the Adelaide festival. She shares the personal and collective fallout from this decision, which led to over 180 writers boycotting the event. Randa discusses her defamation concerns against the South Australian premier, critiques his public statements, and clarifies misinterpretations of her social media posts. With her Palestinian identity at the forefront, she emphasizes the importance of solidarity amid threats to liberal values.
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Episode notes
Family Toll And Teaching Moment
- Randa Abdel-Fattah describes the personal toll of the public attacks on her and her family during school holidays.
- She frames the episode as a teaching moment, using collective solidarity to help her children cope.
Pursue Legal Redress For Harmful Public Remarks
- Randa's legal team served a formal concerns notice to the South Australian Premier over his remarks.
- She intends to pursue action unless an apology or retraction is provided.
'Cultural Insensitivity' Used As Afterthought
- The festival's initial email cited 'cultural insensitivity' as the reason for disinviting Randa without citing past statements.
- Randa says that retrospective justification reinforced an already blatantly anti-Palestinian decision.
