The Académie Goncourt, the organization behind France’s most prestigious literary prize, has removed Thélyson Orélien’s novel C’était ça ou mourir (It Was That or Die) from its longlist following claims that the book was almost entirely written using software. The decision was made after an anonymous online account alleged the novel was predominantly generated by a machine, raising questions over its authenticity.
Orélien, a Canadian-Haitian author and history teacher, tells a first-person story of fleeing Haiti due to gang violence and traveling across 12 countries before settling in Canada. Published in France by Grasset in August, the novel has sold approximately 35,000 copies, earned the Prix du roman Fnac, and attracted translation offers from over 20 countries.
Allegations and Responses
The controversy began on September 21, the day the novel won the Fnac prize, when an anonymous X account named Balance ton Claude claimed on social media that the book had been run through AI detection software and found to be almost entirely artificially generated. However, critics of this detection tool pointed to inconsistent findings from other programs suggesting the book was likely written by a human.
Orélien denied all allegations, attributing the accusations to racial bias. He emphasized his connection to traditional Haitian and Caribbean linguistic styles and rhythms, stating, “I’ve always loved creating and writing. I don’t see why I would use a machine.”
Investigation and Further Accusations
The anonymous accuser was later identified as Samuel Fitoussi, a columnist known for his critiques of cultural trends related to race and politics. Fitoussi expressed concerns that technology might undermine reading and writing skills, motivating his campaign against the book.
Initially, the Académie Goncourt president, Philippe Claudel, advised caution regarding these claims, but the academy reversed course following additional reports, including allegations published by Libération accusing Orélien of plagiarizing a short story from a 1960s French journalist’s work. The academy cited multiple analyses by credible researchers and journalists indicating the novel was very likely predominantly produced by software and referenced the author’s past instances of plagiarism.
Publishers and Ongoing Developments
The novel’s original publisher, Le Éditions du Boréal in Canada, stated it could not confirm or deny the allegations but urged restraint and warned against personal attacks directed at the author. The publisher underscored the importance of recognizing the real person behind the book and condemned hateful messages received during the controversy.
Orélien plans to refrain from commenting further, citing the desire to wait for tensions to subside before speaking again. The Académie Goncourt is expected to release its shortlist on October 6 and announce the prize winner on November 4.
