The future of Adelaide Writers' Week remains uncertain after dozens of authors withdrew from the event following the removal of Palestinian Australian writer Randa Abdel-Fattah from the program. The decision by the Adelaide Festival board has sparked a wave of boycotts, including by former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern, Trent Dalton, Peter Greste, Hannah Kent, and Evelyn Araluen.
Abdel-Fattah confirmed she posted an image of a person parachuting with a Palestinian flag after the October 7 attacks, but said she was unaware of the severity of the attacks at the time. The board stated that while it did not link her to the Bondi attack, her past statements made her appearance 'not culturally sensitive' for the festival starting February 28.
Adelaide Festival Corporation executive director Julian Hobba described the situation as 'complex and unprecedented' and said updates would be shared when possible. The board has not commented further, and former board members declined to speak. Abdel-Fattah is considering legal options and said the event may be 'beyond the point of no return.'
Former Writers' Week director Jo Dyer said the event 'hangs in the balance,' accusing the board and Premier Peter Malinauskas of 'cavalier negligence.' Malinauskas defended his support for the removal, citing concerns over antisemitism, and said he made his views clear in writing. The board reportedly met over the weekend and resolved to uphold its decision.
