Swedish Academy head resigns amid turmoil at Nobel group
STOCKHOLM — The head of the Swedish Academy that awards the Nobel Prize in Literature resigned Thursday after an internal dispute at the prestigious institution brought criticism from the Nobel board and concerns from Sweden’s king.
Sara Danius announced her decision after a three-hour meeting of academy members in central Stockholm. Danius said she had lost the 18-member academy’s confidence, but would not comment on whether a vote was held to remove her as permanent secretary.
The crisis started last week after three male members resigned over the academy’s vote not to remove a female colleague. The woman’s husband is embroiled in sexual misconduct allegations and accusations he leaked the names of Nobel winners in advance.
Academy members are appointed for life and resignations are extremely rare.