Thélyson Orélien’s novel has been removed from the longlist for the 2026 Prix Goncourt, France’s most prestigious literary award, amid allegations that the work was substantially generated using artificial intelligence. The Haitian-Canadian author denies these accusations.
The Goncourt Academy announced the decision on Monday, citing concerns over the integrity of the prize and the literary tradition it represents. The academy stated that Orélien’s novel, *C’était ça ou mourir* (“It was that or die”), was “in all likelihood largely the product of artificial intelligence.” It also referenced previous instances of plagiarism by the author, which had recently come to light through analysis conducted by researchers and journalists.
“This is about sending a clear message that we neither endorse nor condone in any way the creation of texts generated with the help of AI,” the academy said in a statement. The decision to remove the book reflects wider tensions in the literary community about the role of AI in creative work.
*C’était ça ou mourir* tells the story of a man escaping gang violence in Haiti and journeying through the Caribbean and South America before reaching Canada. First published in Quebec, where Orélien resides, the novel has already received several other literary accolades and was praised by some critics for its distinctive narrative voice.
Orélien has categorically denied using AI in the book’s creation. In a recent interview with Montréal’s *La Presse*, he stated, “You could give me a pen now, and I would write the same thing.” His Canadian publisher, Boréal, reacted by suspending promotional activities for the novel, citing a need to focus on Orélien’s wellbeing while the allegations are examined. The publisher also urged against premature judgments, noting that it could neither confirm nor refute the claims at this point. Orélien’s French publisher, Grasset, and the author himself did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The allegations surfaced through the anonymous social media account Balance ton Claude (“Expose your Claude”), which gained attention for investigating suspected use of AI in literary works. The account employs AI detection software called Pangram to analyze texts and disseminate findings. Samuel Fitoussi, an investor and columnist for the conservative newspaper *Le Figaro*, has acknowledged involvement in the group behind the account. He has expressed concern that AI might undermine traditional practices of reading and writing, despite his general optimism regarding technology.
The case highlights ongoing debates about authenticity and the impact of artificial intelligence on artistic expression. Advocates argue that AI can open new creative avenues, while critics warn of a loss of human agency and the proliferation of what some dismiss as “AI slop.” Balance ton Claude emphasizes the importance of preserving originality, although it also suggested a degree of leniency toward Orélien pending further investigation.
The incident adds to a growing discourse on the ethical and artistic challenges posed by AI in literature and other cultural fields. As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, literary institutions and creators grapple with new questions about authorship, originality, and the future of storytelling.