Friedman Adelaide: Free Speech Controversy at Writers’ Week

Published: 15 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Jewish American columnist Thomas Friedman confirmed he was uninvited from the 2024 Adelaide Writers’ Week, raising questions about freedom of expression. The Friedman Adelaide controversy began when he agreed to appear via video link but was later told that the timing “would not work out,” triggering debate over the festival’s decision-making. Former board member Tony Berg accused director Louise Adler of lobbying for Friedman’s removal following a petition by academics, highlighting tensions between free speech and public pressures.

Earlier, ten academics, including Palestinian author Randa Abdel-Fattah, petitioned for Friedman’s removal after a New York Times column compared Middle East conflict to the animal kingdom. Berg criticised Adler for prioritising ideological alignment over balanced programming. The festival board initially defended Friedman’s participation, emphasising their commitment to artistic freedom. A letter signed by board chair Tracey Whiting highlighted Friedman’s online contribution and said canceling him was a “serious issue,” but last-minute scheduling changes led to his removal, prompting Whiting’s resignation.

Berg’s resignation letter, once confidential, accused Adler of consistently programming writers with pro-Palestinian and anti-Zionist perspectives while undermining others, framing Friedman’s uninvitation as part of a broader pattern. He stated that Adler and other leaders pressured the board, threatening resignation if Friedman remained. Adler resigned after Abdel-Fattah’s cancellation, and the 2026 writers’ event was subsequently cancelled. Berg accused both women of selective free speech, claiming they supported some voices while opposing Friedman’s participation.

Abdel-Fattah denied leading Friedman’s cancellation, emphasising the petition addressed racial tropes and cultural sensitivity. South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas denied any interference, stating the board acted independently. The Friedman Adelaide case reignited discussion on censorship, academic influence, and the responsibilities of cultural institutions in protecting expression while considering social impact.

Observers argue boards must differentiate harmful speech from controversial perspectives, avoiding selective cancellations. The controversy reflects tensions in literary programming where public reaction influences decisions. While Friedman’s removal was officially attributed to scheduling, Berg’s disclosures suggest ideological conflict played a role. The resignations of Whiting and Adler highlight the impact on governance and the challenge of maintaining trust between boards, directors, and audiences.

As Australia’s literary community reflects, Friedman’s uninvitation exemplifies preemptive cancellation dilemmas. Festivals face challenges in balancing cultural sensitivities, creative freedom, and public scrutiny. Policies around confidentiality, petitions, and artist selection are being reconsidered. The Friedman Adelaide dispute serves as a cautionary tale, urging transparent processes to protect artistic integrity and public confidence.

The controversy demonstrates the complex intersection of politics, literature, and festival governance. Stakeholders call for consistent standards that safeguard free expression while respecting diverse perspectives. Friedman’s case emphasizes the importance of clear procedures and transparent communication in ensuring literary festivals remain credible and inclusive. The lessons from this incident will likely shape future programming and cultural discourse.

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