Chicago – Janaury 12, 2026
Australia’s prestigious Adelaide Festival has been plunged into crisis after dropping Australian-Palestinian author Randa Abdel-Fattah from its upcoming Writers’ Week, triggering a sweeping boycott and leadership turmoil.
The festival confirmed that its chair and three board members resigned following the decision to disinvite Abdel-Fattah, an academic and prominent critic of Israel, citing “cultural sensitivity” in the wake of the Bondi Beach mass shooting. Executive director Julian Hobba said the organisation is navigating a “complex and unprecedented moment” amid a fierce public backlash.
Mass Boycott and Accusations
Roughly 100 of 124 scheduled writers have now withdrawn, leaving the flagship event, set for 27 February to 15 March, in serious doubt. Abdel-Fattah condemned the move as “a blatant and shameless act of anti-Palestinian racism and censorship,” accusing organisers of despicably linking her identity to the Bondi attack.
Growing Political and Cultural Fallout
High-profile figures, including Australian-British author Kathy Lette and international guests such as former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis, have joined the boycott, denouncing the decision as discriminatory and divisive. Think tank The Australia Institute has also pulled its sponsorship, branding the festival’s stance “pure, ugly politics” and a display of moral cowardice.
