Canadian publisher breaks ties with Thélyson Orélien following evidence of AI use
A Canadian publisher has ended its partnership with author Thélyson Orélien after an investigation found evidence of AI-generated text in his work. Although the book was removed from a French literary award shortlist, plans for a Dutch translation of the novel remain in place for 2027.
Canadian publisher Editions de la Pleine Lune has officially severed ties with author Thélyson Orélien following the discovery of AI-generated content in his computer files. Although the publisher initially defended the 38-year-old author, a subsequent investigation confirmed the presence of AI assistance, despite the author's repeated denials. Orélien, who also admitted to plagiarism in previous works, ceased cooperating with the publisher's internal inquiry, leaving the full extent of the AI usage unclear.
The controversy began when Orélien's book, C'était ça ou mourir, was removed from a prestigious French literary award shortlist due to an AI integrity check. Despite this global fallout and the cancellation of the North American release, the publisher's international partners intend to proceed with translations. The Dutch-language version of the book, titled Het was vluchten of sterven, remains scheduled for release in the Netherlands in January 2027.
Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
