Eiffel tower shuts in protest after female staff moved during Hindu group’s visit

8 Sep 2026 • 4:52 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Eiffel tower shuts in protest after female staff moved during Hindu group’s visit

  • Eiffel Tower staff staged a protest that closed the monument on Monday after female employees were allegedly sidelined and instructed to avoid certain areas during a private visit by a 100-person delegation from the Hindu group BAPS.
  • Sete, the operating company of the landmark, admitted to accepting the delegation's request for limited interactions with women, acknowledging that the decision violated the organisation's values and gender equality principles.
  • The event triggered widespread backlash from French political leaders, including Equality Minister Aurore Bergé and National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet, prompting Paris city authorities to launch an investigation.
  • BAPS, which had consecrated its first major temple in France over the weekend with congratulations from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, issued a sincere apology while stating it takes the concerns very seriously.
  • The Eiffel Tower resumed normal operations on Tuesday following the day-long closure, with workers demanding clear guarantees from management that female staff will never face similar discrimination again.

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