Goncourt winner says he used AI three times while writing novel

AI · First reported 4 Nov, 15:59 · Updated 16:10

Image: Wikimedia Commons · Ysherazi · CC BY-SA 4.0

Philippe Jaenada said he used AI to insert a ChatGPT-written sentence, parody its responses and conduct research for his Goncourt-winning novel. His admission has renewed debate over AI in literature, following the removal of another author’s book from Goncourt consideration amid AI-use suspicions.

Jaenada said on France Inter that he used AI three times while writing L’Inconnue du quai de Javel: to insert a ChatGPT-written sentence, mock ChatGPT’s answers and conduct research.
Jaenada said he disclosed the inserted sentence to the Goncourt jury on the day of the award. He argued that AI should be acknowledged and used as a tool.
The admission followed the Goncourt academy’s removal of Thélyson Orélien’s novel from its longlist amid concerns it was largely AI-generated. His publisher later ended its relationship with him.
The reports describe online responses ranging from acceptance of AI as unavoidable to criticism from readers who want authors to write without it.
The Guardian also reports accusations online of a racial double standard in the treatment of Jaenada and Orélien; it notes that AI-detection accuracy has been questioned.

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Key facts

Winner: Philippe Jaenada, for L’Inconnue du quai de Javel.
AI use: Jaenada said he used AI three times while writing the novel.
Disclosure: He said he told the Goncourt jury about the inserted sentence on the day of the award.
Prior case: Thélyson Orélien’s book was removed from the Goncourt longlist amid AI-use concerns.
Publisher: Boréal ended its relationship with Orélien after citing new evidence of AI use.