The Académie Goncourt has removed Thélyson Orélien’s novel *C’était ça ou mourir* from the longlist for France’s leading literary prize after allegations that it was largely written using AI. The decision followed claims of AI use, separate plagiarism allegations and the academy’s stated aim of protecting the integrity of the prize, although the evidence and detection methods remain disputed.

The Haiti-born Canadian author, 38, denies using AI and says the book’s Haitian and Caribbean language, imagery and rhythms are his own. Published by Grasset in August, the novel has sold around 35,000 copies, won the Prix du roman Fnac and secured translation rights in more than 20 countries; some AI detectors judged it likely human-written, while its publisher said the allegations could not yet be confirmed or dismissed.