Adelaide Writers' Week Cancelled After Palestinian Author Disinvited Amid Boycott

Australia's Adelaide Writers' Week was cancelled after 180 authors boycotted the event following the disinvitation of Palestinian-Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah. The festival board cited concerns over cultural sensitivity after the Bondi Beach shooting but did not specify statements by Abdel-Fattah prompting the ban. The event's director, Louise Adler, resigned in protest, citing free speech concerns. Abdel-Fattah accepted the festival's apology but noted the damage was not easily repaired. The British band Pulp reversed their boycott and will perform at the 2024 festival.