Up next
Author
Share and Follow
FacebookXRedditPinterestWhatsApp


The beleaguered Adelaide Festival has lost three board members and the board’s chair amid growing fallout from the board’s decision to drop Palestinian Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah from a festival line-up.
On Thursday, the board confirmed it had informed Abdel-Fattah she would no longer appear at the Adelaide Writers’ Week, saying it would not be “culturally sensitive” following the Bondi terror attack.
The decision prompted a wave of withdrawals from prominent writers in protest, with close to 100 authors reportedly pulling out from this year’s event — including Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Percival Everett, Booker Prize shortlisted British author Zadie Smith, American journalist Masha Gessen and former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis.
The fallout has now engulfed members of the board.

According to information obtained by SBS News, three board members have stepped down after a critical board meeting held on Saturday. Those resigning include Donny Walford, a women’s executive coach; Nicholas Linke, a lawyer; and Daniela Ritorto, a journalist and communications expert.

Board chair Tracey Whiting confirmed her resignation in a social media post on Sunday evening.
“Recent decisions were bound by certain undertakings and my resignation enables the Adelaide Festival, as an organisation, to refresh its leadership and its approach to these circumstances,” she wrote on LinkedIn.

In a statement reflecting on his time with the organization, the chairperson expressed gratitude, saying, “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.”

Linke, a partner of law firm Dentons Australia, confirmed to SBS News his resignation but said he would not make a public comment.
The trio’s names no longer appeared on the festival’s website on Sunday. Whiting’s name is still on the site as of Monday.
A spokesperson for the Adelaide Festival confirmed the names were removed from the site but made no further comment.

A source revealed to SBS News, “They were on the website last week, and it’s been updated,” indicating changes to the board’s listing on the festival’s official site.

Additionally, a letter from Marque Lawyers’ managing director, Michael Bradley, which SBS News has seen, states, “You are each now on notice that these documents may be required for the purposes of litigation,” highlighting potential legal considerations.

Abdel-Fattah had been scheduled to discuss her new novel Discipline, about an academic and journalist facing censorship, set against the backdrop of the 2021 Israeli airstrikes on Gaza.
In its statement announcing its decision last week, the festival board said: “Whilst we do not suggest in any way that Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah’s or her writings have any connection with the tragedy at Bondi, given her past statements we have formed the view that it would not be culturally sensitive to continue to program her at this unprecedented time so soon after Bondi.”
The board has not made clear which specific statements it was referring to.
Abdel-Fattah’s lawyers have written a letter addressed to Whiting, asking for the board to specify which past statements triggered the decision.
The letter also asks the board and its members to retain all documents — including emails and text messages — that relate to the decision.

“You are each now on notice that these documents may be required for the purposes of litigation,” the letter from Marque Lawyers managing director Michael Bradley, seen by SBS News, reads.

Abdel-Fattah considering position on legal action

Bradley told SBS News Abdel-Fattah was “considering her position” regarding legal action.
“She will decide what, if any, action she will take, but it’s pretty obvious that her rights were disregarded by the board and its actions,” Bradley said.
“She has the right to pursue, to indicate her rights.”
Bradley said the reaction that the board’s decision had triggered “speak for themselves”.
Abdel-Fattah was unavailable for comment when approached by SBS News.
Share and Follow
FacebookXRedditPinterestWhatsApp
You May Also Like
Rubina Aminian, 23, who was reportedly shot in the head during anti-government protests in Iran on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Tragic Loss: Fashion Student’s Death Highlights Ongoing Struggle in Iran Protests

One of the victims of the crackdown against massive anti-government protests in…

Government Announces Subsidy for Wegovy: What It Means for Patients

Australians could soon get cheaper access to the popular weight-loss drug Wegovy,…

Trump Administration Considers Legal Action Against Federal Reserve, Says Bank Chair

United States Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell says the justice department has…

Over 500 Lives Lost in Iran Protests: US-Based Rights Group Reveals Alarming Toll

Unrest in Iran has killed more than 500 people, a rights group…

Stricter Legislation Targets Radical Preachers for Enhanced Oversight

Local councils have been given new powers to close down centres being…
Three members and the chair of the Adelaide Festival Board have resigned following the continued fallout from the controversial decision to dump Australian-Palestinian author Randa Abdel-Fattah from the renowned writers' week.

Australian Event Uncertain After Board Resignations Following Key Decision

More than 50 authors from around the world, including Pulitzer Prize recipient…
Hundreds dead in mass Iran protests, activists say

Activist Reports Indicate Hundreds of Deaths Amid Widespread Protests in Iran

A crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran has killed at least 538…

Tragic Discovery Amidst Victoria Bushfires: Authorities Find Body Near Vehicle as Premier Allan Issues Grave Warning

A body has been found in a bushfire area in Victoria where…