New leader for Swedish Nobel group amid sex claims crisis
THE Swedish Academy, which awards the Nobel Prize in Literature, appointed a new head yesterday after a crippling crisis triggered by allegations of sexual assault against the husband of one of its members.
Anders Olsson, a 69-year-old writer and literature professor known for his calm demeanour and diplomatic skills, has been appointed the academy’s “temporary” permanent secretary in a bid to unite the 11 remaining members amid the toxic controversy that has divided it into two camps.
Two members, including Sara Danius, the permanent secretary, resigned on Thursday in the aftermath of the scandal, which centres on allegations by 18 women that they had been subject to sexual harassment and assault by Jean-claude Arnault, the French husband of Katarina Frostenson, an academy member and poet. Ms Frostenson also announced she was withdrawing from the group’s workings. Mr Arnault denies the allegations.
Ms Danius, the first woman to head the Swedish Academy since it was founded in 1786, said she had agreed to resign after failing to receive the support of a majority of her colleagues.
Support has, however, surged for her – celebrities, politicians and the public yesterday posted pictures of themselves online wearing pussy-bow blouses. Ms Danius was wearing one when she announced her resignation.