Richard Flanagan cancels Brisbane Writers Festival appearance

Author Richard Flanagan has withdrawn from the Brisbane Writers Festival, scheduled for October 11, due to a scheduling conflict with a book tour in Poland.

While the cancellation sparked social media speculation regarding potential censorship following Flanagan’s recent speech in Sydney about the pro-Israel lobby and free speech, the author and festival organizers have clarified that the decision was strictly logistical. Flanagan stated that recent changes to his travel dates to Warsaw necessitated his withdrawal. The Brisbane Writers Festival has apologized to ticket holders and extended an invitation for Flanagan to participate in 2027.