7am How cancelling a Palestinian writer blew up Adelaide Writers Week
Jan 13, 2026
In this discussion, journalist Helen Karakulak sheds light on the explosive cancellation of Adelaide Writers' Week after the removal of Palestinian author Randa Abdel-Fattah. She analyzes the massive backlash from over 100 writers who boycotted the event, the political influences surrounding the festival, and the implications for the arts in South Australia. Helen also highlights Premier Malinauskas's role and the troubling wave of resignations, raising urgent questions about free speech and the future of literary events in the region.
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Decision Sparked Rapid Backlash
- Removing Randa Abdel-Fattah from the program triggered a massive, rapid backlash that threatened the festival's viability.
- Helen Karakulak notes the board's stated reason was "cultural sensitivity" after the Bondi attack, but their rationale remained unclear.
Who Randa Abdel-Fattah Is
- Randa Abdel-Fattah is a Sydney-born Palestinian author whose 2025 novel Discipline examines censorship amid Israel's war on Gaza.
- She says accusations of antisemitism are false and frames her stance as opposition to settler colonisation and for equality.
Boycott Made Program Unworkable
- More than 100 writers pulled out within hours, including high-profile names like Zadie Smith and Jacinda Ardern, making the program untenable.
- Helen highlights that Writers Week's free model and large audience made the boycott especially damaging for the festival and local economy.
