Sara Danius announced her decision on Thursday after a three-hour emergency meeting of academy members in central Stockholm. “It has already affected the Nobel prize quite severely and that is quite a big problem,” Danius said. On Wednesday, the Nobel Foundation board sharply criticized the Swedish Academy, saying the group was threatening to tarnish the reputation of the Nobel prize. The academy, which is under the direct patronage of the Swedish king, is traditionally very discreet and has been deeply shaken by the scandal. Of the 18 elders of the academy, seven are no longer active members, and two women have gone on leave for several years.

Source: The Guardian April 12, 2018 21:57 UTC