Haitian Canadian author dropped from Goncourt over AI, plagiarism claims
Thélyson Orélien denies using AI to write his debut novel as his Quebec publisher says it cannot confirm or deny the allegations.
The French Académie Goncourt has removed Haitian Canadian author Thélyson Orélien's novel "C'était ça ou mourir" from consideration for France's prestigious Goncourt Prize amid allegations that he used artificial intelligence to write the book, followed by reports of plagiarism in earlier works, according to The Haitian Times.
The Académie announced the decision on Sept. 25, citing the allegations and analyses indicating the novel was likely largely produced by AI. The novel follows a Haitian's perilous journey toward Canada through Brazil, Mexico and the United States.
Orélien, 38, a poet born in Gonaïves and now based in Quebec, denied the allegations in an interview with AFP, said he would provide documentation on how the book was written, and described experiencing racist attacks in France. He has since said he would step back from the debate.
Éditions du Boréal, his Quebec publisher, said on Sept. 24 it could not confirm or deny the AI claims and suspended promotional activities, citing hateful messages against the author. The book remains for sale.
The AI allegations surfaced Sept. 21 via an anonymous X account, "Balance ton Claude," citing the Pangram detection tool. CBC News reported similar results, while researchers cautioned such tools cannot definitively establish authorship.