Brief
Haitian‑Canadian author Thélyson Orélien accused of AI‑written bestseller
The controversy over Orélien's novel has sparked accusations of racism and doubts about AI detection tools.
By Felo News Desk · Published
France's literary community is embroiled in a dispute after Haitian‑born Canadian writer Thélyson Orélien was accused of using artificial intelligence to produce his breakout bestseller, "It Was Either That or Die," which has sold 40,000 copies since its release.
France24 reported that the allegation, made via an anonymous X account, relied on the AI‑verification tool Pangram, whose accuracy is now being questioned. The controversy has also revived accusations of racism and prior plagiarism claims against Orélien.
Guests on the France24 debate programme, including independent journalist Ayşegül Sert, British author Stephen Clarke and comparative literature professor William Marx, discussed the broader implications for literature in an era dominated by AI tools.
Key facts
- Thélyson Orélien's novel sold 40,000 copies. (france24.com)
- An anonymous X account alleged the book was largely written by AI. (france24.com)
- The claim was based on results from the AI detection tool Pangram. (france24.com)
Sources
- [1] france24.com — originally reported as “The Debate - Will AI write our books? Row over bestseller fuels fear over future of literature”
