One of the world’s most prestigious literary festivals has effectively cancelled itself. The Adelaide Writers’ Week is in ruins today after the mass resignation of its board and the withdrawal of over 180 authors, including former NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The trigger? The controversial decision to uninvite Palestinian-Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah.

The implosion began last week when the board removed Abdel-Fattah from the lineup, citing "cultural sensitivities" following a terror attack in Bondi. They clumsily attempted to distance her from the attack while simultaneously using it as the reason for her exclusion. The backlash was immediate and catastrophic.

The "Censorship" Boycott

Authors from Zadie Smith to Masha Gessen pulled out in solidarity, labeling the move "racist censorship." They argued that linking a vocal critic of Israel to a domestic terror incident was a defamatory smear designed to silence Palestinian voices.

• The Board's Collapse: Faced with a decimated program and public fury, the festival director resigned on Tuesday, followed hours later by four board members. In a final statement, the remaining board apologized to Abdel-Fattah, admitting the decision was "regrettable."
• The Global Ripple: The scandal highlights the intensifying pressure on cultural institutions to navigate the geopolitics of the Israel-Gaza conflict. "Neutrality is no longer an option," wrote Jewish publisher Louise Adler. "You either support free speech, or you don't."

A Festival of Silence

For Adelaide, the loss is cultural and economic. The festival brings millions into the local economy. Instead of celebrating literature, the city is now hosting a global case study on how not to handle a crisis. The stages are empty, but the message is loud: silence a writer, and you silence the festival.