Quebec author dropped from Goncourt amid AI, plagiarism allegations

The Académie Goncourt has removed Quebec author Thélyson Orélien's novel "C’était ça ou mourir" from the list of finalists for the prestigious French literary prize, due to allegations of using artificial intelligence to write the book and plagiarism in his earlier work. Researchers and journalists conducted multiple analyses, pointing to the use of AI in the novel.

Orélien, who previously denied using AI, is currently focused on his health and has not commented on the allegations. His Quebec publisher suspended promotional activities for the novel due to his well-being concerns, and a Quebec book fair removed him as their guest of honor. Despite the allegations, the novel remains eligible for consideration at several other major French literary prizes.