Goncourt Winner Philippe Jaenada Admits Using AI in Novel

PARIS, Nov 4 (OPA) — Goncourt Prize-winning novelist Philippe Jaenada has admitted to using artificial intelligence three times while writing his latest book, intensifying a heated debate over the role of technology in contemporary literature. Speaking on France Inter, the 62-year-old author revealed he used ChatGPT to insert a single sentence to play with readers, mock absurd technical answers provided by the bot, and conduct technical research.

"I think we cannot push AI away, we cannot act as if it did not exist," Jaenada said during the broadcast. "We have to use it, we have to acknowledge it, we have to tame it and not let ourselves be replaced. It has to be useful." He disclosed the AI-generated sentence to the Goncourt jurors on Tuesday, noting that he expects public fallout from the revelation.

The admission immediately drew divided reactions on social media. While some commentators compared the technology to an advanced spellchecker that will soon become unavoidable, readers expressed dismay. Critics questioned whether contemporary authors are losing the ability to write independently, arguing that literary creation should rely solely on human effort and emotion.

Jaenada's disclosure coincides with ongoing industry friction over automated tools. Fellow writer Thélyson Orélien was recently removed from the second Goncourt shortlist and dropped by Montreal-based publisher Éditions du Boréal following accusations of plagiarism and AI use. Jaenada succeeds Laurent Mauvignier, who won the 2025 Goncourt Prize.