Prix Goncourt removes Roman from shortlist due to suspicion of AI

A novel by Canadian-Haitian author Thélyson Orélien has been removed from the shortlist for the prestigious French literary prize Prix Goncourt due to suspicions of using artificial intelligence (AI).

The Académie Goncourt said that several scientists and journalists had unanimously come to the conclusion that the novel C'était ça ou mourir "appears to be very largely the product of artificial intelligence."

Orélien had rejected the allegations made against him. He spoke of an attempt to “silence” him. In addition to the AI ​​suspicion, the academy referred to allegations of plagiarism from Canada over texts that were said to have been published more than ten years ago.

The move is intended to protect "the integrity" of the award and the Académie Goncourt, whose goal is to honor and promote literature written "by women and men." It is a “clear signal” that the academy “neither supports nor awards” texts created with the help of AI.