Eiffel Tower closes after row over removal of women staff for Hindu delegation visit

Mangalore Today News Network

Paris, September 8, 2026: The Eiffel Tower was temporarily closed late on Monday after employees held a protest over allegations that female workers were asked to leave their workstations during a private visit by a Hindu religious delegation over the weekend.

Paris authorities have ordered an investigation into the alleged incident, which has sparked anger among staff and criticism from French political leaders.

According to union representatives, female employees at the landmark were asked to move out of sight on Saturday, September 5, when a delegation of around 100 people associated with the Hindu organisation Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) visited the Eiffel Tower.

“As the delegation passed through, women were asked to leave their workstations so that men could take their places,” union representative Diane Davoine told Reuters.

Employees held a meeting on Monday to discuss the incident. The protest led to a delay in opening the monument, with notices at its base stating that the opening had been delayed for “operational reasons.”

Davoine said the management had apologised to employees over the incident. She added that staff wanted to open a dialogue with management and ensure that women would never again be treated in such a manner at the workplace.

Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire said an investigation would be launched “as soon as possible.” In a post on X, he said he understood the employees’ anger and considered their concerns legitimate.

“It is urgent that all light be shed on the facts that led to this protest,” Gregoire said.

BAPS representatives, who were in France for celebrations linked to the inauguration of a Hindu temple in the Paris suburbs, said the Eiffel Tower visit had been scheduled at the beginning of opening hours to minimise disruption because of the size of the delegation.

“To the best of our knowledge, at no point was anyone prevented access to the Eiffel Tower. Nevertheless, we sincerely apologise for any pain or inconvenience caused,” BAPS said in a statement.

The company operating the Eiffel Tower, SETE, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

French National Assembly President Yael Braun-Pivet also criticised the alleged incident. “Welcoming others never means giving up our values. In France, women are fully present in public life. No one tells them to become invisible,” she wrote on X.