A hidden camera was recently discovered in the women’s bathroom at the Centre Pompidou’s administrative headquarters in Paris. The device was found in mid-January by one of the museum’s employees, AFP reported on Wednesday.
The Centre Pompidou’s offices are located inside its main building at Place Georges-Pompidou. The museum is currently closed for renovations, but its offices remain open. After the discovery, the museum filed a legal complaint and suspended a staff member accused of installing the camera.
In a message sent to staff on Tuesday, reviewed by AFP, the museum explained that the camera was found on January 14. The person believed to be responsible was identified and immediately suspended as a precaution. The museum emphasized the seriousness of the situation and said it was taking steps to protect its staff.
One staffer, who wished to remain anonymous, told AFP that the camera was found by a colleague while using the restroom. “We don’t know if images were recorded,” they said, adding that staff have received very little information since the discovery. “We’ve all been traumatized by this.”
Following the incident, the Centre Pompidou conducted inspections of all restrooms in the building and confirmed no other recording devices were found. In their message to staff, the museum acknowledged the distress the situation caused and reassured employees that they are committed to ensuring everyone’s safety, dignity, and protection moving forward.
