Eiffel Tower Closes: Female Staff 'Sidelined' for Hindu Delegation Visit

Paris’s iconic Eiffel Tower was forced to close its doors late Monday following an unprecedented staff protest regarding an alleged incident involving a visiting Hindu delegation. Employees gathered for a meeting, leading to the monument’s temporary closure, after claims emerged that female staff members were asked to step out of sight during a private visit.

The controversy stems from an event on Saturday, September 7, 2026, when a delegation of approximately 100 people linked to the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) made a private visit to the Eiffel Tower. According to Diane Davoine, a union representative,

As the delegation passed through, women were asked to leave their workstations so that men could take their places.

This alleged request has sparked widespread anger among the tower’s employees.

Tensions mounted over the weekend, culminating in Monday’s staff meeting. Ms. Davoine explained that employees decided to meet not only to open a dialogue with management but also “to ensure that women are never treated this way at the company again.” Management has reportedly apologized to staff over the incident.

Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire swiftly responded to the allegations, posting on social media platform X that he was aware of the employees’ anger and found their dissatisfaction legitimate. He assured the public that an investigation would be launched “as soon as possible,” emphasizing the urgency of shedding light on the facts that led to this protest.

In response to the incident, BAPS, whose representatives were in France for festivities related to the inauguration of a Hindu temple in the Paris suburbs, issued a statement. They noted that their visit to the Eiffel Tower was arranged at the start of opening hours to avoid disrupting others, given the size of their delegation.

BAPS stated,

To the best of our knowledge, at no point was anyone prevented access to the Eiffel Tower.

This statement appears to offer a different perspective on the events, suggesting a possible misunderstanding or a differing account of what transpired.

The incident has brought significant attention to workplace equality at one of the world's most famous landmarks and the cultural sensitivities involved in high-profile visits. Authorities are now tasked with thoroughly investigating the claims to ensure fair treatment for all employees.

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