KPMG has withdrawn its branding from the Sydney Writers’ Festival following the confirmation of pro-Palestinian activist Randa Abdel-Fattah as a speaker, according to reports from multiple Australian news outlets.
The accounting firm requested the festival remove its logo and any association with the event, a move first reported by The Guardian and subsequently confirmed by The Australian. KPMG’s decision stems from concerns over Abdel-Fattah’s publicly stated views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which the firm believes are incompatible with its values.
Abdel-Fattah, an author and academic, was invited to participate in a panel discussion titled “Speaking Up: Activism and Advocacy” at the festival, scheduled to accept place in May. Her inclusion sparked immediate criticism from some quarters, including former Sydney Writers’ Festival chair, who reportedly stated the invitation “damages [the festival’s] reputation” according to the Australian Financial Review.
KPMG’s response was swift. A spokesperson for the firm stated, as reported by Sky News Australia, that the decision to withdraw sponsorship was made after careful consideration and reflected the company’s commitment to maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment. The firm did not elaborate on the specific aspects of Abdel-Fattah’s views that prompted its action.
The Sydney Writers’ Festival has defended its decision to invite Abdel-Fattah, asserting its commitment to intellectual freedom and diverse perspectives. Festival organizers stated, in a report by the Australian Financial Review, that they have not experienced a wider exodus of sponsors as a result of KPMG’s withdrawal. The festival maintains that it provides a platform for a range of voices and viewpoints, even those that may be controversial.
The controversy surrounding Abdel-Fattah’s invitation comes amid heightened sensitivities regarding discussions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly in the wake of recent events. Abdel-Fattah has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights and has publicly criticized Israeli policies.
As of Thursday, February 19, 2026, the Sydney Writers’ Festival has not issued a further statement regarding KPMG’s decision, nor has it indicated any intention to rescind Abdel-Fattah’s invitation. The festival is scheduled to proceed as planned, with Abdel-Fattah still listed as a participant on the event website.
