One of Australia's biggest cultural festivals has been left in disarray after a decision to disinvite a prominent Australian-Palestinian writer, triggering a massive backlash and mass exodus from fellow authors.
The board of the Adelaide Festival last week said Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah, a vocal critic of Israel, had been removed from its Writers' Week lineup due to sensitivities following a violent incident that left 15 people dead at a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach.
Though the festival's board distanced itself from any connection between Abdel-Fattah and the tragedy, they deemed it culturally insensitive to include her, citing her past statements. Abdel-Fattah condemned the decision as a blatant act of anti-Palestinian racism.
In a swift reaction, more than 180 authors, including notable figures like Jacinda Ardern, Zadie Smith, and Masha Gessen, withdrew from the festival, criticizing the exclusion as an affront to free speech.
The fallout continued as four board members, including the chair, resigned, and the director of Writers' Week also stepped down, reflecting the internal chaos sparked by the situation.
Louise Adler, a key figure in the festival and daughter of Holocaust survivors, expressed her opposition to the decision, stating it undermines freedom of speech.
The controversy threatens to overshadow the festival, which encompasses a variety of cultural events, scheduled to take place at the end of February.
Abdel-Fattah's prior comments, particularly those regarding Israel and the war on Gaza, have drawn criticism and sparked the current debate over her exclusion. With her lawyer considering legal action and festival organizers facing a significant backlash, the outcome of this incident remains uncertain.
As discussions around artistic freedom and the right to speak on contentious issues continue, the Adelaide Festival finds itself at a pivotal moment in its history.
