Key Takeaways:
- Britpop legends Pulp initially considered pulling out of the Adelaide Festival’s free opening night concert due to the cancellation of Palestinian-Australian writer Randa Abdel-Fattah’s appearance
- The band was convinced to delay their announcement and ultimately decided to honor their invitation to perform after the festival sought to resolve the crisis
- Several other musical acts had pulled out of the festival in support of Abdel-Fattah, but it is unclear if they will rejoin the event
- WOMADelaide rejected efforts to remove Palestinian DJ Sama Abdulhadi from their event, citing their commitment to showcasing diverse artists
- Adelaide Festival executive director Julian Hobba advised against dropping Abdel-Fattah from the program, but the board ultimately made the decision to cancel her appearance
Introduction to the Controversy
The Adelaide Festival has been embroiled in controversy after the cancellation of Palestinian-Australian writer Randa Abdel-Fattah’s appearance. The decision sparked outrage among many, including Britpop legends Pulp, who were scheduled to perform at the festival’s free opening night concert. In a statement on their Instagram page, Pulp expressed their opposition to censorship and violence, and initially considered pulling out of the concert in support of Abdel-Fattah. However, after being asked to delay their announcement, the band ultimately decided to honor their invitation to perform.
Pulp’s Initial Reaction
Pulp’s frontman, Jarvis Cocker, had posted a picture of Abdel-Fattah on his personal page, stating that the band had told the festival organizers they would not be able to play due to the "dreadful situation" with Abdel-Fattah. However, after the festival sought to resolve the crisis, the band decided to perform at the free concert, which is open to anyone who respects the freedom of all voices to be heard. This decision was likely influenced by the band’s history of supporting free speech and opposing censorship, as seen in their defense of Irish band Kneecap in 2025.
Other Artists’ Reactions
Several other musical acts had pulled out of the Adelaide Festival event Tryp in support of Abdel-Fattah, including H34VEN0N34RTH, ADELAIDE BALLROOM, Jannah Quill X House of Vnholy, and Skorpion King. However, it is unclear if these acts will rejoin the event now that the festival is seeking to resolve the crisis. Meanwhile, WOMADelaide rejected efforts to remove Palestinian DJ Sama Abdulhadi from their event, citing their commitment to showcasing artists of exceptional talent from a diverse range of countries and genres.
Adelaide Festival’s Response
Adelaide Festival executive director Julian Hobba advised against dropping Abdel-Fattah from the program, but the board ultimately made the decision to cancel her appearance. Hobba stated that the issue was discussed over several months, and he had respectfully and thoroughly advised the board against making the decision. However, the board came to a different conclusion, and Hobba is now looking at alternative options for the event. SA Premier Peter Malinauskas had also written to the board about Abdel-Fattah’s scheduled appearance, but Hobba stated that the premier’s letter did not influence the board’s decision.
Abdel-Fattah’s Response
Abdel-Fattah defended accusations of hypocrisy over her efforts to have New York Times writer Thomas Friedman dumped from the writers’ week event in 2024. She stated that she rejects the equivalence between Friedman and her own situation, and that she is approaching the issue as an anti-racism scholar and advocate. Abdel-Fattah had been among the signatories to a petition to dump Friedman over a controversial column he had written, and her efforts were seen as hypocritical by some. However, she argues that the two situations are not comparable, and that she is committed to fighting against racism and oppression.
Conclusion
The Adelaide Festival controversy highlights the complex issues surrounding free speech, censorship, and oppression. While Pulp’s decision to perform at the festival may be seen as a victory for free speech, it also raises questions about the festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse voices. The situation is a reminder that the arts are often at the forefront of social and political debates, and that artists and festivals must navigate these complex issues with sensitivity and nuance. As the festival moves forward, it will be important to consider the impact of its decisions on the artists and communities involved, and to prioritize inclusivity and respect for all voices.
