The Latest Breaking News from Randa Abdel

After collapse and controversy, Adelaide writers’ week has a new director: ‘I don’t envy anyone in this position’

Rosemarie Milsom, who formed and runs Newcastle writers festival, will take over from Louise Adler after the literary festival imploded over invitation to Randa Abdel-Fattah

The Guardian - AU · Apr 23

Indigenous poet claims richest state book prize

A poet's latest work has been lauded for its emotional intelligence, while Palestinian-Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah has won an award by popular vote.

AAP · Feb 25

What is the future of Australia’s embattled writers festivals?

For more than 65 years, book lovers have descended on Adelaide every summer for Australia’s longest running literary festival. That is, until this year, when around 180 invited authors (including me) boycotted Adelaide Writers Week, following the board’s decision to “uninvite” Palestinian-Australian author Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah. The festival was cancelled.

The Conversation · Feb 4

Adelaide festival apologises to Randa Abdel-Fattah and invites her to participate in 2027 writers’ week

Apology comes as former Adelaide festival board member accuses Louise Adler of hypocrisy after she resigned citing free speech concerns

The Guardian - AU · Jan 15

Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah Launches Legal Action Against SA Premier For Defamation

“This was a vicious personal assault on me, a private citizen, by the highest public official in South Australia. It was defamatory and it terrified me,” Dr Abdel-Fattah claimed.

Pedestrian.tv · Jan 14

Major Australian arts festival cancelled after mass boycott over Palestinian author’s removal

Adelaide Writers’ Week saw more than 180 speakers pull out after Randa Abdel-Fattah was barred following Bondi Beach attack

The Independent UK · Jan 13

Adelaide Writers’ Festival Cancelled & Apology Issued To Randa Abdel-Fattah

"This is a deeply regrettable outcome."

Pedestrian.tv · Jan 13

Fourth Adelaide Festival Board Member Resigns Over Randa Abdel-Fattah Backlash

Almost 50 authors have pulled out of the festival program over its decision to remove Palestinian-Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah from the line-up.

Pedestrian.tv · Jan 12

Festival dumping calculated, says Palestinian author

Dumped author Randa Abdel-Fattah says attempts to police speech will backfire as more than 100 writers quit a besieged literary festival in solidarity.

AAP · Jan 12

'Foolish': Mabo historian pans festival axing of author

A pre-eminent Australian historian has joined a growing list of nearly 100 speakers pulling out of a writers' festival after it dumped a pro-Palestine academic.

AAP · Jan 11