Adelaide Writers’ Week

Adelaide Writers’ Week is an annual literary festival in Australia. In 2026, the event was canceled due to controversy surrounding the disinvitation of Palestinian-Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah. Organizers cited a lack of “cultural sensitivity” following a mass shooting targeting Jewish Australians as the reason for their decision. This action led to widespread condemnation and accusations of stifling free speech. In protest, nearly 200 writers withdrew from the festival, leading to its ultimate cancellation. The South Australian premier has denied pressuring the festival board regarding Abdel-Fattah's participation. The incident has sparked debate about freedom of expression, cultural sensitivity, and the role of arts festivals in addressing complex social and political issues. The board has since apologized to Abdel-Fattah, acknowledging her right to speak about atrocities against Palestinians. The cancellation highlights the potential impact of political and social tensions on cultural events.