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Adelaide Festival Reinstates Author After Boycott Controversy

1/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Adelaide Festival apologized to author Randa Abdel-Fattah after canceling writers' week due to a boycott by 180 authors protesting her disinvitation.
The board will reinstate Randa Abdel-Fattah's invitation for 2027.
The Adelaide City Council is considering support for an alternative literary festival, with organizations coordinating the new event.
Feasibility and venue concerns persist, and council backing is crucial for the replacement festival's success and to support local authors.

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Story summary

The Adelaide Festival apologized to author Randa Abdel-Fattah after canceling writers' week due to a boycott by 180 authors protesting her disinvitation.
The board will reinstate Randa Abdel-Fattah's invitation for 2027.
The Adelaide City Council is considering support for an alternative literary festival, with organizations coordinating the new event.
Feasibility and venue concerns persist, and council backing is crucial for the replacement festival's success and to support local authors.