Goncourt Longlist Removes Orélien Novel After Plagiarism Claims
The Académie Goncourt removed Thélyson Orélien's novel It Was Either That Or Die from its longlist. The decision followed online accusations that the book used AI and a Canadian newspaper investigation that found evidence of plagiarism in his earlier published work. The academy said it acted to protect the integrity of the Goncourt Prize.
The Académie Goncourt, which administers the Prix Goncourt, took Thélyson Orélien’s It Was Either That Or Die off its longlist. The move came after online allegations that the novel was AI-generated and after a Canadian newspaper investigation reported evidence of plagiarism in his previously published writing.
The academy told Reuters it removed the title to safeguard the award’s and institution’s integrity. It described its main purpose as supporting and recognizing literature. The story was reported on September 25, 2026, by Erin Somers and filed under Awards.
The removal could intensify scrutiny of authorship and originality in publishing, especially as AI tools become more common. Writers may face greater pressure to document their process, while publishers and prize juries could adopt stricter verification. Readers might become more skeptical of literary accolades, and the case may shape how institutions respond to plagiarism or AI allegations. The effects may extend beyond this prize, influencing debates about trust in contemporary literature.