MuCEM President Suspended Amid Sexual Harassment and Favoritism Report
A report by the French General Inspectorate of Cultural Affairs (Inspection générale des affaires culturelles) has exposed practices of sexual harassment and favoritism at the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (MuCEM) in Marseille. The findings have prompted the Marseille public prosecutor's office to broaden an existing investigation into the museum's president, Pierre-Olivier Costa, who was suspended at the end of June. The probe now includes suspicions of favoritism in the awarding of public contracts. The report, which was released on August 21, 2026, details systemic issues within the institution, leading to heightened scrutiny of its leadership and governance.
Key facts
- A report by the French General Inspectorate of Cultural Affairs has denounced sexual harassment and favoritism at the MuCEM.
- The Marseille public prosecutor's office has expanded an investigation into MuCEM president Pierre-Olivier Costa.
- Costa was suspended at the end of June.
- The investigation includes suspicions of favoritism in the awarding of public contracts.
- The report was released on August 21, 2026.
- The MuCEM is located in Marseille, France.
- The report was published by Le Monde.
- The investigation was already open before being broadened.
Entities
Institutions
- MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations)
- Inspection générale des affaires culturelles
- Le Monde
- Marseille public prosecutor's office
Locations
- Marseille
- France