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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
'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.
Rapid Solidarity Sank The Festival
- Over 180 writers withdrew from Adelaide Festival within hours, creating unprecedented momentum.
- Randa sees this as a watershed moment showing collective power against elite censorship.
Weaponising Tragedy Backfired
- Randa argues the board's decision exposed blatant anti-Palestinian racism and opportunistic politicisation of a terror attack.
- She believes people rejected the weaponisation of tragedy and saw through the board's veneer.
