Goncourt Academy removes author from nomination list after AI allegations

The academy behind France's most prestigious literary prize, the Prix Goncourt, has removed Canadian-Haitian author Thélyson Orélien's acclaimed debut novel "C'était ça ou mourir" ("It was either that or die") from its long list of nominees.

The decision was made due to suspicions that the author used AI.

According to a statement from the Goncourt Academy, "several credible researchers and journalists" have pointed out that the novel is "in all probability largely the result of artificial intelligence". The Academy writes that they want to send a "clear message" that they do not approve of texts generated with AI, and that they want to preserve the integrity of the prize, "whose central task is to promote and honor literature written by women and men".

The information that Thélyson Orélien allegedly used AI was originally posted by an anonymous account on X. Shortly after it spread, accusations of plagiarism also appeared. Earlier this week, Quebec-based La Presse reported that a column Thélyson Orélien wrote in 2013 bore strong similarities to an article in The Philippine Star. Meanwhile, Radio-Canada revealed that a 2010 short story by Orélien contained lines from a 1960 French book, "Le matin des magiciens" ("Morning of the Magicians") by Louis Pauwels and Jacques Bergier.

"C'était ça ou mourir" is described as a fictional depiction of Thélyson Orélien's own life and is about a man who leaves Haiti for Canada. It was released this spring and has so far been sold to over 20 countries.

In connection with the Goncourt Academy removing the novel, the Canadian publisher Boréal announced that they had paused all marketing of the book to ensure the author's well-being. The publisher writes in a statement that they cannot confirm or deny the AI ​​accusations and that they want to advise against jumping to conclusions.

At the same time, the French publisher Gasset writes that they continue to have confidence in Thélyson Orélien.

The author himself has denied all allegations about AI and said the campaign against him is racially motivated. He says to the French Libération that he has "always loved to create and write" and that he and his publisher are currently compiling a document that will prove that he alone wrote the novel.

Who was behind the anonymous X account has not been established, but French essayist and Le Figaro writer Samuel Fitoussi has told Le Monde that he was part of the group behind the account. According to Fitoussi, the aim was to warn of AI's progress in literature.

The Goncourt Prize shortlist is presented in October and the winner is announced in November.