Eiffel Tower operator cites failings over removal of female staff

The Eiffel Tower’s operator announced on Tuesday that its chief, Patrick Branco Ruivo, will leave at the end of 2026. He has held the post since 2018. The announcement follows controversy over female employees being sent away during a visit by the Hindu religious group BAPS. [1]

BAPS had wanted to limit interactions with women during its visit. The operator said its internal investigation found operational mistakes that led to the removal of female staff, which it called unacceptable. It also said BAPS’s conditions should never have been accepted. [1]

Eiffel Tower staff previously stopped work over the incident, closing the attraction for a day. BAPS later apologised for any pain or discomfort caused. [1]

Update

SETE, which operates the Eiffel Tower, said its internal investigation found that organisational shortcomings led to female staff being replaced by male colleagues during a delegation’s visit earlier this month. The company called the removal of the women unacceptable. [2]

SETE chair Ariel Weil said on Tuesday that he had requested measures and training programmes to promote gender equality. [2]