New head for Swedish Nobel body after sex scandal

The Swedish Academy, which awards the Nobel Literature Prize, appointed a new head today as a sexual harrassment scandal rocked the prestigious institution.

Two members, including permanent secretary Sara Danius, resigned yesterday over a controversy that has divided the Academy into two camps.

The scandal centres on allegations by 18 women that they had been subject to harassment and physical abuse by Jean-Claude Arnault, the French husband of Academy member Katarina Frostenson.

He denies the allegations.

Anders Olsson, a writer and professor of literature, said on SR radio that he had been appointed to the post on a "temporary basis."
Danius, the first women to head the Swedish Academy since its founding in 1786, said yesterday: "It is the Academy's wish that I leave my post as permanent secretary."
"I would have liked to have continued but there are other things to do in life."