Quebec publishing house stands by author amid AI allegations
Thélyson Orélien said in a statement published by Boréal on Tuesday he began writing ''C’était ça ou mourir'' in 2017 and reiterated that no part of the novel was written by AI.
A Quebec publishing house, Éditions du Boréal, has maintained its support for author Thélyson Orélien despite allegations that his novel "C’était ça ou mourir" was written using artificial intelligence. In a statement, the publisher noted that they could not independently verify the manuscript's history prior to receiving it on September 12, 2025.
Orélien affirmed in a statement published by Boréal on Tuesday that he had begun writing the novel in 2017 and that he completed a first draft of over 300 pages in 2019, both of which were done without the aid of AI.
The publisher emphasized that it is not their responsibility to monitor authors or request proof of their writing process, but rather to stand by them. Orélien also stated on Tuesday that he did not feel the need to prove anything to those accusing him of wrongdoing. He previously mentioned in September that he was collaborating with his publishers in Quebec and France to gather evidence supporting his claims.
Additionally, the publisher condemned plagiarism in Orélien's earlier writings, but firmly stated that nothing justifies him being scapegoated for concerns and doubts surrounding AI.
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