Quebec publisher cuts ties with author Thélyson Orélien over generative AI use

A Canadian publisher has severed ties with Quebec author Thélyson Orélien after discovering evidence that he used artificial intelligence to write his award-winning novel. The New York Times, CBC, Radio-Canada, CTV News, and The Globe and Mail all reported on the decision. The New York Times Books added that the publisher acted after the author used artificial intelligence during the composition of his breakout book. [1][2][5][6][7][8]

The Lethbridge Herald and Medicine Hat News both reported that the publisher ended its relationship with the writer after finding evidence of artificial intelligence usage. The allegations follow earlier controversy surrounding the author's recent work. [3][4]

Orélien is a Haitian-born Canadian novelist and poet who achieved prominence with his 2026 novel C'était ça ou mourir, which was published in Quebec by Éditions du Boréal and in France by Éditions Grasset. The novel earned widespread critical praise and secured positions on multiple literary award selection lists, including the Prix Goncourt. [9]

Following accusations of plagiarism and the undisclosed use of generative artificial intelligence across several of his writings, C'était ça ou mourir was officially withdrawn from consideration for the Prix Goncourt. [9]