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.
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."
- Pierre-Olivier Costa becomes president of Mucem
- IGAC mission launched to investigate workplace malaise at the museum
- Marseille prosecutor opens criminal harassment investigation
- Staff representatives send a letter to the culture minister outlining dysfunctions
- Ministry announces Costa's suspension, effective 1 July
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.
