Canadian Writer Denies Using AI to Write Novel but Admits to Plagiarism

Canadian writer Haitian-born author Télésillon Orélien has denied using artificial intelligence to write his bestselling novel but admitted to plagiarising other writers in earlier works.

According to Reuters, Orélien addressed the allegations in a letter released by his French publisher, Grasset. He acknowledged publishing passages from other writers without attribution, describing the conduct as unacceptable.

The controversy began in September after claims circulated online that AI had been used to write nearly all of his novel. A Canadian newspaper later reported instances of alleged plagiarism in his earlier writing.

Orélien maintained that he wrote his latest novel himself and did not use AI. The controversy led to his novel being removed from the preliminary shortlist for France’s prestigious Prix Goncourt literary award.

The case has sparked wider debate in literary circles about plagiarism, the use of artificial intelligence in writing and the standards expected of published authors.