Government · Marseille
Mucem president Pierre-Olivier Costa will be suspended from 1 July over harassment investigation
Pierre-Olivier Costa, president of Marseille's Mucem since November 2022, will step aside provisionally after the Ministry of Culture acted on a months-long inquiry into harassment claims.
AI text based on reports by Ouest France, 20minutes, Mediapart and other publishers. Published . How it is made
For membersThe first 30 seconds for everyone. Synthetic voice (AI).
In brief
Costa steps aside from 1 July at his own request; Anne-Marie Le Guével takes over as interim president.
Marseille prosecutor opened an inquiry in late March for sexual and moral harassment after a mandatory report from the ministry.
An inspection mission examined workplace morale at Mucem from March and submitted findings to the ministry in early June.
Union representatives wrote to the culture minister on 24 June, calling the climate "deleterious" and citing repeated management failures.
- 31 MarMarseille prosecutor opens criminal harassment investigation
- 24 JunStaff representatives send a letter to the culture minister outlining dysfunctions
- 30 JunMinistry announces Costa's suspension, effective 1 July
The allegations
A Marseille prosecutor opened an investigation in late March after a report under article 40 of the French Code of Criminal Procedure, which requires public officials to report potential crimes. The complaint alleges sexual and moral harassment by Costa. According to a person who spoke to Le Monde, the museum agent who filed the complaint said Costa repeatedly used his position to demand a sexual act "in an intimidating manner."
An Inspection générale des affaires culturelles (IGAC) mission began on 10 March to examine "facts of malaise at Mucem and any related element." Its report was delivered to the ministry in early June, a union source told AFP.
Investigation and suspension
On 30 June the Ministry of Culture announced that Costa would be suspended from 1 July, at his own request and on a precautionary basis. Anne-Marie Le Guével, inspector general of Cultural Affairs, will serve as interim president.
“This suspension aims to restore a climate of trust and renew social dialogue within the institution.”
Staff representatives had written to the culture minister on 24 June, denouncing a "deleterious" climate and "multitudes of dysfunctions and unacceptable facts stemming solely from inappropriate conduct by this management," the letter read.
Background and management criticism
Costa, a former chief of staff to Brigitte Macron, took the helm of the museum of European and Mediterranean civilisations in November 2022. His tenure became turbulent within a year. A portion of the staff accused him of damaging the museum's scientific project and described the management style as "sometimes toxic."
What's next
The ministry made clear that Le Guével's interim mandate is designed to stabilise the institution while the criminal investigation proceeds. The Marseille prosecutor has not yet announced any formal charges. Costa's suspension is provisional, leaving the door open to a possible return or a permanent replacement depending on the outcome.
Ask about this text
Sources and context
- Ouest FranceMucem de Marseille : accusations de harcèlement, gestion décriée... Ce que l'on sait de la suspension de son président
- 20minutesLe président du Mucem Pierre-Olivier Costa suspendu de ses fonctions
- MediapartLe président du Mucem de Marseille, Pierre-Olivier Costa, suspendu de ses fonctions
- Le Figaro.frLe président du Mucem de Marseille, Pierre-Olivier Costa, suspendu de ses fonctions
- Pierre-Olivier Costa
- President of Mucem, suspended from 1 July 2026 amid a criminal harassment investigation.
- Anne-Marie Le Guével
- Inspector general of Cultural Affairs, appointed interim president of Mucem.
- Brigitte Macron
- Costa previously served as her chief of staff.
- Places
- Marseille
Pollar is free and carries no ads in the text. Its members keep it going.
Support Pollar