{
  "id": 6225405,
  "title": "Eiffel Tower shut as Hindu group's visit sparks row, staff alleges ‘female workers removed’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/eiffel-tower-shut-as-hindu-groups-visit-sparks-row-staff-alleges",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-08T03:12:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times - World News",
    "slug": "hindustan-times-world-news",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/female-workers-removed-hindu-group-baps-temple-visit-sparks-row-after-eiffel-tower-closes-over-staff-strike-france-101788833573280.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Eiffel Tower was closed on Monday following allegations that female staff were asked to leave work during a visit from a Hindu delegation. The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) spiritual movement had sent the delegation for a spiritual purpose. Reports suggest that female employees were removed from their posts and replaced by men, while women were instructed to avoid certain areas while the delegation was present. This led to a staff walkout and discontent among the female workers, who felt humiliated by the treatment. The management of the Eiffel Tower, Société d Exploitation de la tour Eiffel (SETE), acknowledged the delegation's request to limit interactions with women but stated that the conditions were unacceptable. SETE president Ariel Weil reaffirmed the monument's commitment to equality between men and women. The Hindu temple in Paris apologized for any inconvenience caused and expressed their commitment to mutual respect. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire promised an investigation into the incident, emphasizing that equality between women and men cannot be compromised at historical landmarks. French far-right leader Marine Le Pen and former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal condemned the actions, stating that no culture or belief can dictate women's roles.",
  "summary": "As per reports, the staff at the iconic French monument went on strike after female workers were asked to leave.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}