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Adelaide Writers' Week Faces Outcry Over Cancellation Controversy

1/15/2026

Summary

Ardern Protests Cancellation

The Adelaide Writers' Week faced backlash after canceling Palestinian-Australian academic Randa Abdel-Fattah from the 2026 event.
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and over 180 writers withdrew in protest, citing hypocrisy from the festival board.
The board initially cited "cultural sensitivity" after the Bondi terror attack for the cancellation, prompting criticism from former board member Tony Berg.
The board has since apologized to Abdel-Fattah and promised to invite her to the 2027 event while she pursues defamation proceedings against South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas.

Summary

Friedman Uninvited Controversy

Thomas Friedman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, was uninvited from the 2024 Adelaide Writers' Week, contradicting his claim he withdrew voluntarily.
Friedman’s account supports board member Tony Berg's assertion that pressure from then-director Louise Adler led to his removal over a controversial Middle East column.
The revelations contribute to the controversy over the festival's handling of speaker invitations amid accusations of hypocrisy.

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Ardern Protests Cancellation

The Adelaide Writers' Week faced backlash after canceling Palestinian-Australian academic Randa Abdel-Fattah from the 2026 event.
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and over 180 writers withdrew in protest, citing hypocrisy from the festival board.
The board initially cited "cultural sensitivity" after the Bondi terror attack for the cancellation, prompting criticism from former board member Tony Berg.
The board has since apologized to Abdel-Fattah and promised to invite her to the 2027 event while she pursues defamation proceedings against South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas.

1 / 2