Nobel Academy Criticized for Ousting Woman After Arnault Allegations Ronn Torossian, CEO, 5WPR Jean-Claude Arnault is a hugely popular cultural figure in Sweden, a household name in that country. He’s also being investigated in conjunction with allegations that he assaulted or raped up to 18 women. Those allegations cause Arnault to be banned from attending a Nobel banquet by the Swedish Academy. Arnault denies all the allegations, though the investigation continues. Now, though, the consequences of that action are reverberating across the nation. Sara Danius, leader of the academy that awards the Nobel Prize in Literature, was shown the door, prompting widespread protests across the country. This happened amid ongoing chaos at the academy, upheaval that has even caused the Swedish king to weigh in on the issue, demanding that the leadership fix the problems, and do it now. That line in the sand led to what many are describing as a “contentious” meeting of the top people at the academy. After that meeting, Danius resigned, though some have said it was that or be forced out. This result was shocking, especially considering that most academy posts are offered for life. In an interview with Swedish media, Danius seemed to hint that there were problems before the more recent unrest related to Arnault. In her comments, the former leader said it had been one of her goals to “cautiously but purposely modernize” the academy, later adding: “Ethics must be in the highest seat … crimes and cheating must be reported to the law enforcement authority… The academy should be a force that clearly acts against untimely power relations or women’s degradation.” While no one has said for certain, it may have been both Danius’ attempts to “modernize” the academy and her strong stand against the abuse and “degradation” of women that led to her ouster. Other members of the academy certainly did not hide their disdain either for Danius or her perspective. One of these, Horace Engdahl, wrote an editorial for a local news agency attacking Danius. After that editorial, in which Engdahl said Danius was the “worst permanent secretary ever,” the power structure in the academy shifted. Several who supported Danius previously either left the academy or changed their alliances, leaving the now-former secretary without much support among her colleagues. She definitely had support among the people, however. Demonstrations in public and on social media dominated the Swedish news cycle, and it doesn’t look like the furor is going to die down any time soon. About the Author: Ronn Torossian is Founder & CEO of NYC based PR Agency 5WPR..