A Welsh learner from Cardiff, Romy Wood, has expressed her devastation after judges at the National Eisteddfod's Daniel Owen Memorial Prize accused her of using Artificial Intelligence to write her novel. Wood, who submitted her entry 'Y Dderwen' under the pseudonym Lithedora, denies the accusation.
Judges Meinir Wyn Edwards, Llwyd Owen, and Lleucu Roberts initially stated it was 'disgraceful' for an entrant to use AI in such an important competition. Meinir Wyn Edwards commented during the ceremony that the novel lacked a 'plan or narrative arc' and had 'clumsy, flawed expression', leading to the suspicion of AI creation.
Wood told BBC Wales that her novel was a 'personal story' about her family history and she felt 'personally affronted and upset' by the adjudication, which was broadcast live. She stated her confidence as a Welsh speaker had been 'shattered' and has written to the National Eisteddfod regarding the tone of the feedback.
The independent adjudicators later apologised for causing distress, stating they were 'deeply sorry'. They maintained their unanimous view that the work was created by 'some form of artificial intelligence'.
The National Eisteddfod confirmed it requires entrants to confirm they have not used AI but does not have automatic systems to check for it. They added that adjudicators are independent and that they aim for feedback to be 'respectful and constructive'.