More than 50 authors from around the world, including Pulitzer Prize recipient Percival Everett, Booker Prize-nominated British writer Zadie Smith, and former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis, have withdrawn from an event. Their decision follows the removal of Abdel-Fattah due to cultural concerns arising after the December 14 terrorist incident at Bondi Beach.

The board stated last week, “While we do not imply any connection between Dr. Randa Abdel-Fattah or her work and the Bondi tragedy, considering her previous statements, we believe it is culturally insensitive to feature her in our program during this unprecedented time so shortly after Bondi.”

Abdel-Fattah has been vocal in the past, criticizing Zionists as “murderous” and asserting they have “no claim or right to cultural safety.”

In response to the unfolding situation, Tracey Whiting, chair of the Adelaide Festival Board, announced her resignation immediately after a crisis meeting held over the weekend, citing “recent decisions.”

In her statement, Whiting explained, “The recent decisions were bound by specific commitments, and my resignation allows the Adelaide Festival to revitalize its leadership and strategy in addressing these matters.”

“My tenure as chair has been immensely enjoyable, as has working with the terrific AF team. I look forward to the future success of the Adelaide Festival.”

Board members Donny Walford, Nicholas Linke, and Daniela Ritorto also resigned.

Abdel-Fattah has since engaged lawyers as she seeks an explanation for the decision to cancel her scheduled event.

In a letter to the board, Marque Lawyers managing director Michael Bradley wrote that the author was not aware her participation was under question until she received notice she had been removed on January 8.

The notice said “it would not be culturally sensitive” to proceed with her appearance, but made no mention of her previous statements being an issue.

“It appears, from this statement, that the board’s decision to exclude Dr Abdel-Fattah was made because of ‘past statements’ made by her,” Bradley wrote.

“As a matter of basic procedural fairness to Dr Abdel-Fattah, please identify with specificity each of the ‘past statements’ made by her on which the Board relied in making its decision. She is entitled to this information.”

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has publicly supported the board’s decision and said he offered his opinion to the board, but did not instruct them to remove her from the event.