Story perspectives

Adelaide Festival Faces Backlash Over Abdel-Fattah Removal

1/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Adelaide Festival removed Dr. Randa Abdel-Fattah (Palestinian-Australian writer) from Writers’ Week, citing cultural sensitivity after the Bondi shootings left 15 dead.
The festival board says it does not link Abdel-Fattah to the tragedy but deems her presence inappropriate.
Abdel-Fattah condemned the decision as anti-Palestinian racism and censorship.
Michelle de Kretser (author) and Yanis Varoufakis (author and economist) withdrew in protest, arguing the move undermines the festival’s democratic ethos.

History

Historical Context

The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement, launched in 2005, seeks to pressure Israel over its policies towards Palestinians. By 2016, it gained momentum, influencing cultural events globally and contributing to a reported 20% rise in anti-Palestinian sentiment in Australia. The Adelaide Festival's removal of Dr. Randa Abdel-Fattah highlights ongoing tensions regarding artistic freedom and multicultural dialogue in Australia.

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Story summary

The Adelaide Festival removed Dr. Randa Abdel-Fattah (Palestinian-Australian writer) from Writers’ Week, citing cultural sensitivity after the Bondi shootings left 15 dead.
The festival board says it does not link Abdel-Fattah to the tragedy but deems her presence inappropriate.
Abdel-Fattah condemned the decision as anti-Palestinian racism and censorship.
Michelle de Kretser (author) and Yanis Varoufakis (author and economist) withdrew in protest, arguing the move undermines the festival’s democratic ethos.

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