Adelaide Festival removes Palestinian author over perceived controversy
January 14, 2026 • Al Jazeera
Adelaide Festival Cancels Event After Author’s Withdrawal
The Adelaide Festival has cancelled its event after a Palestinian author withdrew from participating, citing concerns over censorship. The cancellation was announced on social media, stating that the festival had been forced to cancel due to the withdrawal of more than 180 speakers.
According to reports, the author in question had pulled out of the Adelaide Writers’ Week, which is part of the Adelaide Festival. This decision led to a significant number of other authors and speakers also withdrawing from the event.
The festival’s organisers have not made any official statement regarding the reason for the cancellation. However, it has been reported that the withdrawal was related to concerns over censorship.
As a result of the cancellations, the Adelaide Writers’ Week will no longer take place as planned. The festival’s organisers have yet to confirm whether the event will be rescheduled or cancelled altogether.
The incident has sparked controversy among some in the literary community, with some expressing concern over the impact on free speech and artistic expression. However, the exact circumstances surrounding the cancellation remain unclear.
The Adelaide Festival is a prominent cultural event that takes place annually in Adelaide, South Australia. It features a range of events, including literary festivals, performances, and exhibitions. The festival’s organisers typically strive to provide a platform for diverse voices and perspectives.
Further information on the incident is expected to be released in due course.
Source: Al Jazeera