The Adelaide Writers’ Week board’s decision to disinvite Palestinian-Egyptian-Australian author and academic Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah has seen over 180 writers and participants boycott the festival, leading to its cancellation. Board members have resigned. Dr Abdel-Fattah's lawyers have threatened defamation proceedings against South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas. AWW director, Louise Adler, also resigned saying that she “cannot be a party to silencing writers.” 

As the fall-out continues, Jules and Jez talk about their love of writers’ festivals, the very real contribution writers’ festivals make to the community, and the importance of free speech.

Jules’s pick: Heated Rivalry

Jez’s pick: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8j30kx1vk3o

Julia Baird and Jeremy Fernandez chat about the stories you're obsessed with, the stuff you've missed and the things that matter. Episodes drop every Wednesday afternoon. We want to hear from you! Join the conversation and email the show at [email protected]