Adelaide festival apologises to Randa Abdel-Fattah and invites her to participate in 2027 writers’ week

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Kelly BurkeJanuary 15, 2026 at 03:04 AM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

The Adelaide Festival Corporation has publicly apologized to Palestinian Australian academic Randa Abdel-Fattah for previously excluding her from this year's event, citing cultural insensitivity. The corporation retracted its statement and invited her to participate in the 2027 Adelaide Writers' Week. Abdel-Fattah accepted the apology, viewing it as a victory against anti-Palestinian bias, and is considering the invitation. The apology follows the resignation of former writers' week director Louise Adler over the cancellation and accusations of hypocrisy from former board member Tony Berg regarding free speech. Berg referenced a 2024 incident where Abdel-Fattah and other academics requested the disinvitation of Thomas Friedman, a New York Times columnist, due to his controversial views on the Middle East conflict.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

New York Times 30% Sydney 30% Macquarie Bank 40% Thomas Friedman ×240% Tony Berg ×250% Louise Adler ×360% Adelaide writers’ week ×260% Adelaide Festival Corporation ×370% Adelaide Festival ×480% Randa Abdel-Fattah ×990%

Keywords

randa abdel-fattah 100% adelaide festival 90% apology 80% free speech 70% writers' week 70% louise adler 60% artistic freedom 60% anti-palestinian racism 50% censorship 50% cancellation 40%