A shocking development has unfolded, with three Adelaide Festival board members resigning over the controversial cancellation of Palestinian-Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah from this year's Adelaide Writers' Week. This move has sparked a wave of support for Abdel-Fattah, with dozens of authors withdrawing from the event in solidarity.
The ABC has confirmed the resignations of Daniela Ritorto, Donny Walford, and Nicolas Linke, leaving the board's position in limbo. Ex-director Jo Dyer, along with 11 former Adelaide Festival leaders, has called for Abdel-Fattah's reinstatement, stating that the board's current composition is legally questionable.
But here's where it gets controversial... South Australia's Premier Peter Malinauskas, who has backed the board's decision, has clarified his involvement. He claims to have offered his opinion but denies instructing the board to change the schedule. However, the board's decision to disinvite Abdel-Fattah has had severe repercussions, with over 90% of invited guests withdrawing in protest, damaging the event's international reputation.
Dyer emphasizes that literary festivals should foster civilized debate, and questions the influence of sustained pressure from the government as the primary funder. Malinauskas acknowledges seeking his opinion but denies having the power to direct the board.
The controversy extends to Abdel-Fattah's past criticisms of Israel, including a social media post advocating for the end of the 'murderous Zionist colony.' The Jewish Community Council of South Australia requested her removal, with public liaison Norman Schueler expressing surprise at the support she has received.
Malinauskas asserts that the purpose of Writers' Week is to exchange ideas, and points out that pro-Palestinian authors have always been included. He highlights that Abdel-Fattah herself had previously advocated for the exclusion of a pro-Israeli author, suggesting a double standard.
However, Abdel-Fattah disputes the comparison, stating that her objection to a Jewish-American author in 2024 was based on language dehumanizing marginalized people in the Middle East. She emphasizes that the festival supported 'artistic freedom' and the author was not canceled.
In the wake of her cancellation, Abdel-Fattah has received support from other writers, who reject the correlation between her background and the Bondi terrorist attack. She has also received a letter from her lawyer, requesting the board to clarify its statement and identify the specific 'past statements' that led to her exclusion.
The Adelaide Festival has yet to comment on the matter, leaving the situation in a state of uncertainty.
