MELBOURNE, 12 January, 2026: The Adelaide Festival faces fierce backlash after cancelling Palestinian-Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah’s appearance at Writers’ Week, citing “cultural sensitivity” concerns following the Bondi terror attack. An academic, lawyer, and vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, Abdel-Fattah was invited to discuss her book Discipline.
Discipline is set in Sydney, it follows an academic and a young journalist navigating the costs of speaking up, institutional silence, and racism, particularly concerning Palestinian and Muslim voices in media and academia.
The festival board claimed her past statements made her inclusion “culturally insensitive,” without specifying which ones. Abdel-Fattah has rejected any connection to the Bondi attack, accusing the board of “anti-Palestinian racism and censorship.”
The decision has triggered major fallout:
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Three board members, including chair Tracey Whiting, have resigned.
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Premier Peter Malinauskas backed the board while denying political interference.
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Dozens of authors, including Helen Garner and Zadie Smith, have withdrawn in protest.
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Advocacy groups are calling for Abdel-Fattah’s reinstatement.
The dispute has reignited debate over cultural sensitivity, artistic freedom, and government influence. Abdel-Fattah has demanded an apology, reinstatement, and full disclosure of the statements in question, with her legal team issuing a formal notice to the board.
My statement in response to the racist decision to cancel me from Adelaide Writers' Week. https://t.co/HktwrcWveT pic.twitter.com/EDqTOteA1S
— Randa Abdel-Fattah (@RandaAFattah) January 8, 2026
Note – Many media sources and AI used in this report.
Cover photo- For representation only.
