Adelaide festival removes Randa Abdel‑Fattah from Writers’ Week over cultural sensitivity

The Adelaide festival has removed academic and Palestine advocate Dr Randa Abdel‑Fattah from its Writers’ Week programme, the festival board said, citing concerns about "cultural sensitivity" after a review undertaken in the wake of the Bondi terror attack. In a statement the board said it had been "shocked and saddened by the tragic events at Bondi" and that it had formed the judgment it did not wish to proceed with her scheduled appearance.

The board added it did not suggest "in any way" that Abdel‑Fattah or her writings had any connection with the tragedy but that, "given her past statements", it had "formed the view that it would not be culturally sensitive to continue to program her at this unprecedented time so soon after Bondi".

Abdel‑Fattah issued a statement within hours, accusing the board of "blatant and shameless" anti‑Palestinian racism and censorship and calling the attempt to associate her with the Bondi massacre "despicable". She said the board had "stripped me of my humanity and agency" and criticised Australian arts institutions for showing "utter contempt and inhumanity towards Palestinians" since 7 October 2023.

The decision prompted criticism and withdrawals: the Australia Institute pulled its sponsorship, the poet Evelyn Araluen publicly withdrew, and the Adelaide publisher Pink Shorts Press said it "strongly condemns" the removal and is reconsidering its collaboration.

Key Topics

Culture, Randa Abdel-fattah, Adelaide Writers' Week, Adelaide Festival, Bondi Terror Attack, Australia Institute