Novelist accused of using AI to write book removed from French prize list

Thélyson Orélien, a Canadian-Haitian novelist, had been a contender for France’s prestigious Goncourt literary prize. However, the allegations of AI authorship led the Académie Goncourt to remove his novel, C’était ça ou mourir (It Was That or Die), from the list. The accusation emerged from an anonymous X account named Balance ton Claude, which claimed the book was "almost entirely" written by AI using the Pangram detection software.

The Académie Goncourt, based in Paris, defended its decision, stating their primary concern was preserving the integrity of the prize and the academy's role in promoting literature penned by both men and women. They also noted "plagiarisms of which its author has been guilty over time" and the findings of several analyses by reliable researchers and journalists that the book was likely the product of AI.

The author, 38-year-old Orélien, vehemently denied the AI allegations, arguing they were racially motivated. He claimed his writing process involved traditional language and rhythms, rooted in his Haitian and Caribbean heritage. Orélien's publisher, Éditions du Boréal, based in Canada, expressed uncertainty over the allegations, emphasizing the importance of not jumping to conclusions without credible evidence.

Questions over the accuracy of Pangram's AI detection methods led French media to test other AI detection software, which also suggested the novel was very likely authored by a human. Orélien has taken a step back from the controversy, stating that he would not comment further on the recent allegations and that he aims to await a calmer situation.