Quebec author removed from Goncourt prize race amid AI and plagiarism claims

9/26/2026

Prix Goncourt controversy over Thélyson Orélien’s debut novel sparks scrutiny AI and plagiarism claims could reshape the race before the Oct. 6 shortlist

Quebec author Thélyson Orélien has been removed from the running for France’s Prix Goncourt after accusations that his debut novel may have been written with artificial intelligence and that earlier work may contain plagiarism. The Académie Goncourt said Friday it took the book, "C'était ça ou mourir," off its long list to protect the award’s integrity. The move came after a Frenchlanguage literary controversy spread across Quebec and France, leading Orélien’s publisher to pause promotion of the novel and a Quebec book fair to cancel his appearances. The academy said its decision was based on analyses by researchers and journalists it considered credible, while the publisher said it could not confirm the AI claims but raised concerns about the plagiarism allegations. Orélien denied using AI earlier in the week but declined to comment further on Friday. The short list for the prize is scheduled to be announced Oct. 6.