France Opens Investigation After Female Eiffel Tower Staff Removed for Hindu Group's Visit

September 8, 2026 / 8:13 AM EDT / CBS News

France Opens Investigation After Female Eiffel Tower Staff Removed for Hindu Group's Visit

TL;DR

  • Female employees at the Eiffel Tower were removed from duty for a private visit by a Hindu group (BAPS).
  • The incident led to a staff strike and the closure of the Eiffel Tower on Monday.
  • Staff and local officials expressed outrage and condemned the treatment of female employees.
  • An investigation has been launched by French authorities.
  • Management of the Eiffel Tower has apologized for the incident.
  • BAPS Hindu monks adhere to celibacy and are prohibited from contact with women, though this applies only to monks.
  • The BAPS group issued an apology for any hurt or inconvenience caused.