Abdel-Fattah has taken legal action against Premier Malinauskas, alleging defamation after he made several statements about her that she found damaging. Her lawyers have issued a formal concerns notice, a step under the Defamation Act, which signals the seriousness of her claims.

She described one of Malinauskas’s recent remarks as a “vicious personal assault,” asserting that it crossed the line into defamation. Expressing her frustration and the emotional toll it has taken, she emphasized her humanity, declaring, “Enough is enough. I am a human being, not a punching bag,” in a post shared widely on social media.

Abdel-Fattah sees this legal notice as an opportunity for Malinauskas to rectify the situation. “This is his opportunity to undo some of the harm he has inflicted, and stop punching down,” she stated, making it clear she seeks accountability and a halt to the verbal attacks she has endured.

“My lawyers have today issued a concerns notice under the Defamation Act on Premier Malinauskas.

“This is his opportunity to undo some of the harm he has inflicted, and stop punching down.”

Malinauskas said he was “not aware” of any concerns notice while speaking at a press conference today.

“Every step of this journey, all of my remarks and indeed actions, I have strived for compassion,” the premier said.

“People will be able to judge my remarks for themselves.”

The premier described the decision to cancel the festival as “unfortunate” but acknowledged it was out of his control.

“There are different views and all should have a place to be spoken freely,” he added.

More than 180 writers, including former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Percival Everett, Booker Prize-shortlisted British author Zadie Smith and former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis, pulled out of the event in protest after Abdel-Fattah was dropped from the line-up.

All members of the board resigned following the swift backlash and yesterday it was announced the entire event had been cancelled.

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