Story perspectives

Adelaide Festival Cancels Writers' Week Amid Controversy

1/16/2026

Summary

Adelaide Festival Apologizes

The Adelaide Festival Corporation apologized to Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah after her disinvitation led to the 2026 Writers' Week cancellation.
The new board, led by Judy Potter, retracted the decision and affirmed intellectual freedom.
Abdel-Fattah accepted the apology but called the initial exclusion anti-Palestinian racism.
More than 180 authors, including Jacinda Ardern (former Prime Minister of New Zealand) and Zadie Smith (British author), withdrew in protest.

Summary

Pulp Performs Again

The British indie band Pulp will perform at the Adelaide festival on February 27 after withdrawing in protest of the cancellation of Palestinian writer Randa Abdel-Fattah.
Festival organizers reversed their decision, apologized to Randa Abdel-Fattah, and invited her to speak at a future event.
Pulp's lead singer Jarvis Cocker said the resolution is relief and that the concert will be free and open to all who respect freedom of expression.

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Adelaide Festival Apologizes

The Adelaide Festival Corporation apologized to Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah after her disinvitation led to the 2026 Writers' Week cancellation.
The new board, led by Judy Potter, retracted the decision and affirmed intellectual freedom.
Abdel-Fattah accepted the apology but called the initial exclusion anti-Palestinian racism.
More than 180 authors, including Jacinda Ardern (former Prime Minister of New Zealand) and Zadie Smith (British author), withdrew in protest.

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