Purchases of the novel 'C'était ça ou mourir' have surged after allegations that author Thélyson Orélien utilized artificial intelligence in its creation. The spike in demand for the debut work followed a series of public accusations regarding the authenticity of Orelien's prose and writing style.

Organizers of the Prix Goncourt removed the Canadian-Haitian writer from the longlist for France's top literary prize on Sept. 25 following these online claims. Orelien has since suspended his promotional tour in France and is facing separate accusations of plagiarism in Canada, though he continues to defend his work.