Australian writers’ festival apologises to Palestinian author after boycott
Summary
An Australian arts festival cancelled its writers' week program after 180 writers withdrew in support of Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah. The festival board apologized and reversed its decision to exclude Abdel-Fattah, inviting her to participate in the 2027 event. Abdel-Fattah accepted the apology but has not decided if she will attend.Key Facts
- The Adelaide Festival cancelled its writers' week after 180 authors pulled out in solidarity with Randa Abdel-Fattah.
- The festival board initially excluded Abdel-Fattah, then apologized and invited her to speak in 2027.
- Randa Abdel-Fattah is a Palestinian Australian author of 11 novels, and also a lawyer and sociologist.
- Authors like Zadie Smith and former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern joined the boycott.
- The board’s decision to initially exclude Abdel-Fattah was tied to a broader debate about freedom of speech following a recent attack in Australia.
- Louise Adler, the former director of the event, resigned in protest against the board's initial decision.
- The attack referenced in discussions about the event was a deadly shooting at a Jewish celebration, linked to ISIL inspiration.
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