Sydney, January 13, 2026 — Adelaide Writers' Week (AWW), Australia's largest free literary festival, has been fully cancelled for 2026 after the Adelaide Festival board disinvited Palestinian-Australian author and academic Dr. Randa Abdel-Fattah, citing "cultural sensitivities" following the December 2025 antisemitic mass shooting at Bondi Beach and her prior statements (including on Zionism and safety). The decision, announced January 8, overrode director Louise Adler's strong opposition.
Adler, who is Jewish and on the advisory committee of the Jewish Council of Australia, resigned in protest via a Guardian op-ed published today, calling it capitulation to pro-Israel lobbying, political pressure, and opportunistic politicians—a "chilling effect" on free speech akin to McCarthyism. She warned arts colleagues: "They are coming for you." Economist Yanis Varoufakis amplified her words on X today: "No comment necessary," quoting her resignation lines and linking to the piece (he had earlier publicly torn up his invitation, calling Adler his "marvellous, Jewish friend" and blaming the "Zionist lobby").
The fallout escalated rapidly:
- Over 180 authors, speakers, and participants withdrew in solidarity, including high-profile figures like Zadie Smith, former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern, and Varoufakis.
- Board chair Tracey Whiting and several members (including Daniela Ritorto, Donny Walford, and Nick Linke) resigned earlier; by Tuesday afternoon, the entire board stepped down except the Adelaide City Council representative (term ends February).
- The board issued a late statement apologising to Abdel-Fattah for "how the decision was represented" but upheld the original call, confirming AWW could "no longer go ahead as scheduled" (February 28–March 5).
Abdel-Fattah described her exclusion as "blatant anti-Palestinian racism" and reportedly sent a legal notice. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas backed the board, having shared his "clear and plain" opinion without direct instruction.
The 65-year event, typically drawing 160,000+ courteous attendees to free sessions in the Pioneer Women's Memorial Gardens, has never faced such unrest. Sponsors withdrew, and impacts hit authors, publishers, and local businesses. The broader Adelaide Festival (February 27–March 15) continues, with a new board expected soon.
The saga has fueled national debate on free expression in Australian arts, lobbying influence amid the Gaza conflict and Bondi aftermath, and "safety"/"cohesion" as pretexts for exclusion.
Sources: Guardian Australia
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