Swedish crown princess 'groped' by scandal-plagued photographer

The French photographer at the centre of the Swedish Academy scandal has been now been accused of "touching the behind" of Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria.

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden visiting Latvia in April.

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden visiting Latvia in April. Source: AAP

The French photographer at the centre of the Swedish Academy scandal has been accused of groping Crown Princess Victoria - the heir to the Swedish throne.

Sweden's Svenska Dagbladet newspaper reported that three people witnessed Jean-Claude Arnault "touching the crown princess on her behind at a (Swedish Academy) event in Stockholm" in 2006.

While Sweden's Expressen newspaper, also reporting the incident, quoted one witness saying an aid to the crown princess "threw herself forward and pushed (Mr Arnault) away".

The Swedish Royal Family has not directly commented on the reports but issued a statement supporting the #MeToo campaign.

Mr Arnault has denied the accusation.

Another departure

It comes as journalist and author Sara Stridsberg also decided to leave the academy, which is now down to 10 active members from its original 18.

The Nobel prize-giving body admitted that it is in "a state of crisis following a period of strong disagreement between members over important issues".

The rift emerged in early April over how to handle allegations raised against one of the academy's members, poet Katarina Frostenson, and her husband, Mr Arnault.

A law firm was commissioned in November to investigate sexual harassment allegations by 18 women against Mr Arnault. He denies the allegations.

Ms Frostenson is also accused of violating conflict-of-interest rules by failing to disclose that she was co-owner of a performance venue run by her husband, which had previously received funding from the academy.

According to Swedish media reports, the academy is considering postponing the Nobel literature prize by one year as it deals with the growing scandal.


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