Professor Henry Reynolds, a leading historian of Aboriginal Australia and key figure in the landmark land rights case, has withdrawn from Adelaide Writer's Week in protest after the festival board removed academic and novelist Randa Abdel-Fattah. The board cited 'cultural sensitivity' and 'national grief' following the Bondi mass shooting as reasons for the decision, which Reynolds described as 'foolish' and an 'inexcusable surrender to Zionist pressure.'

Reynolds' withdrawal follows that of nearly 100 other speakers, including prominent authors, in response to the festival's move. Abdel-Fattah, known for her pro-Palestine stance, was also dropped from another writers festival for similar reasons. Reynolds has demanded a clear explanation from the festival board regarding their definition of cultural sensitivity and its application in this context.

The controversy has sparked debate about freedom of expression and the impact of political pressures on cultural events, with several international guests also pulling out. The festival board maintains that their decision was not a suggestion of any link between Abdel-Fattah's views and the Bondi tragedy.