The 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature has been postponed until next year, marking the first delay since 1943, following a crisis at the Swedish Academy over sexual assault allegations. The academy, which selects the winner, announced it will now award the 2018 and 2019 prizes together in 2019.
The decision comes after 18 women accused French photographer Jean-Claude Arnault, married to academy member Katarina Frostenson, of sexual assault and harassment. Several alleged incidents occurred on academy property. Arnault denies all claims. The academy faced criticism for its handling of the allegations, including voting against removing Frostenson from the 18-member committee.
The scandal led to a wave of resignations, including Frostenson and the academy's permanent secretary, Sara Danius, leaving only 11 active members. Public infighting ensued, with members attacking each other. King Carl XVI Gustaf announced plans to change lifetime membership rules. The academy said the postponement was due to a lack of public confidence and pledged a review of its statutes.
The last time the prize was not awarded was in 1943 during World War II. Previous laureates include Bob Dylan, Svetlana Alexievich, and Gabriel García Márquez.
