Overview
- The festival board apologized to Randa Abdel‑Fattah, canceled the 2026 program and said all but one member had resigned.
- Abdel‑Fattah rejected the apology and issued a defamation concerns notice to Premier Peter Malinauskas over his public remarks.
- Malinauskas used a 'far‑right Zionist' hypothetical to defend his stance, denied directing the board and said his comments were grounded in compassion.
- Director Louise Adler resigned, alleging 'extreme and repressive' lobbying by pro‑Israel groups, as authors including Zadie Smith and Jacinda Ardern joined the boycott.
- The Jewish Community Council of South Australia urged her removal, executive director Julian Hobba said he warned against rescinding the invite, and former chair Judy Potter will lead a new board.