In a dramatic reversal, the Adelaide Festival Corporation has reinstated its invitation to Palestinian-Australian author Dr. Randa Abdel-Fattah for the 2027 Writers’ Week event, following intense criticism over her controversial exclusion. The organization issued formal apologies to both Dr. Abdel-Fattah and former festival director Louise Adler, retracting its previous statement that cited “cultural sensitivity” concerns regarding the writer’s comments about Israel and the October 2023 attack.
The initial decision to remove Dr. Abdel-Fattah from this year’s literary festival triggered mass withdrawals from dozens of participating authors and culminated in the resignations of multiple board members along with Director Louise Adler. The escalating controversy ultimately forced the complete cancellation of the planned 2026 Adelaide Writers’ Week.
Festival representatives acknowledged their failure to uphold intellectual and artistic freedoms, stating: “Intellectual and artistic freedom is a powerful human right. Our goal is to uphold it, and in this instance Adelaide Festival Corporation fell well short.” The corporation offered an unreserved apology for the harm caused to Dr. Abdel-Fattah.
The acclaimed author accepted the apology as validation of collective efforts against what she described as “anti-Palestinian racism, bullying and censorship.” While indicating she would consider the 2027 invitation, Dr. Abdel-Fattah notably expressed that she would participate “in a heartbeat” if former director Louise Adler were to return.
The festival’s statement also praised Adler’s princistand resignation and her outstanding contributions to Australian literature, acknowledging her as “a revered figure” held in the highest regard by staff and literary communities alike.