PARIS: A controversy has erupted at the Eiffel Tower after female staff were reportedly sidelined during a private visit by a Hindu religious delegation linked to BAPS.
According to staff representatives, some female employees were asked to leave their workstations or move away from certain areas during the delegation’s visit, with men reportedly taking their places at some posts.
The Eiffel Tower’s operating company, SETE, acknowledged that the delegation had requested arrangements to limit interactions with women and said such conditions should not have been accepted.
The controversy led Eiffel Tower employees to stage a walkout, forcing the landmark to close temporarily. Paris authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
BAPS apologised for any pain or inconvenience caused and said that, to its knowledge, no one was prevented from accessing the Eiffel Tower. The monument reopened on September 8 following discussions between staff and management.
