Australian Writers’ Festival Cancelled After Disinviting Palestinian Author
One of Australia’s largest art festivals has axed its writers’ week amid a boycott by more than 180 authors and guests after the cancellation of Randa Abdel-Fattah, a prominent Palestinian-Australian author and scholar.
In a statement published on Tuesday, the Adelaide Festival’s board said its “decision has created more division and for that we express our sincere apologies”.
It also added that its three remaining board members would also be stepping down. Four board members - including the chairperson of the festival - had resigned over the weekend.
The board also added that it “apologise(d) to Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah for how the decision was represented”.