The publisher of Haitian-Canadian author Thélyson Orélien has confirmed that artificial intelligence was used in the writing of his novel “It Was Either That or Die.” Although Orélien initially denied the allegations, Canadian publisher Boréal stated on Wednesday that a further investigation uncovered new information indicating AI involvement in the writing process.
As a result, Boréal announced it would end its professional relationship with Orélien. The publisher noted it could not determine the extent of AI usage and may never have definitive answers regarding its involvement. They had previously attempted to work with Orélien to gather evidence for his defence, but those efforts were inconclusive, and he later refused to provide any further information.
The novel, originally titled “C’était ça ou mourir,” was due for translation into over 20 languages but has faced scrutiny and was removed from the shortlist for France’s prestigious Goncourt prize after an AI detection test found a 100% probability that it contained computer-generated content.
Orélien described the allegations as “slander and heresy,” insisting he had begun writing the book in late 2017, with a completed first draft by 2019, long before AI tools like ChatGPT became available. The author fled Haiti following the devastating earthquake in 2010, which left the country struggling with poverty and instability.
