Swedish Academy probe finds 'unacceptable behaviour,' leaks of Nobel winners

The group also said alleged sexual misconduct by a man marriedto one of its members, which has plunged the academyinto controversy, had not been commonly known within theinstitution.

The prestigious academy, established in 1786 by King GustavIII, commissioned an investigation by a law firm.

In the ensuing investigation of the sexual misconduct caserelating to Jean-Claude Arnault, a photographer and well-knowncultural figure linked to the academy, allegations emerged that the identities ofprevious winners of the prize had been divulged in advance.

"The investigation ... shows that violations of the academy's confidentiality rules have occurred regarding the workof the Nobel Prize in Literature," the academy wrote in astatement on its findings.

It did not identify the source of the leaks.

The investigation also showed that "unacceptable behaviourin the form of unwanted intimacy" from the man had occurred, butthat this had not been "generally known" within the academy, itsaid.

Findings sent to authorities

The academy said the investigation would be turned over tolaw enforcement agencies.The Swedish Economic Crime Authority tweeted it had received the academy report but declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.

On the sidelines of the probe, the academy said Friday it found a letter itreceived in December 1996in which the sender drew attention to a suspected sexual assault atArnault'scultural centre, which had received funding from the academy.

The group said it "deeply regrets that the letter was put aside, which meant that no action was taken to investigate," and distanced itself from sexual harassment and sexual violence "wherever it occurs."

"Our conflict of interest rules will also be reviewed andthere will be better procedures for communication within the academy, but also with the outside world," the academy said.

Bjorn Hurtig, lawyer representingArnault, could not bereached for comment on Friday. But hepreviously toldReuters his client denies all allegations of sexual harassment,and others, including leaking names of winners.

Protest outside academy

The group said the reputation of the Nobel Prize inLiterature, which every year puts the Nordic country in theinternational spotlight, had been greatly damaged by the badpublicity. But it said that the committee that picks this year'swinner was working as normal.

The academy's permanent secretary, Sara Darius, the first woman to hold the post, resigned over the scandal, as did member Katarina Frostenson,a poet who is married to Arnault.

Swedish KingCarl XVI Gustafsaid Thursday he willchange the rules of the academy, making it possible to bring innew members for the 18-person board, after six members departed in wake of thecontroversy.

The case has exposed bitter divisions within the academy, whose members are appointed for life, and given rise to accusations of patriarchal leanings among some members.

The scandal has sparked outrage in the Scandinavian nationknown for promoting gender equality. On Thursday, thousands gathered outside the Swedish Academy to demand all its remaining members resign.