Paris museum issues apology after turning away woman in low-cut dress

The Musée d'Orsay in Paris has issued an apology after turning away a female guest due to her low-cut dress.

French literature student Jeanne decided to visit the popular tourist attraction on Tuesday - when temperatures in the city were reaching 26C (78F). Opting for an elegant and low-cut colorful dress, Jeanne and her friend had chosen to cap off the warm afternoon with a visit to the museum.

But when they reached the door, Jeanne was informed that "rules are rules" before she had even had a chance to show her ticket.

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Speaking to BBC News, Jeanne was allegedly told by a ticket agent: "Oh no, that's not going to be possible, that's not allowed, that is not acceptable."

Another guard was then called over, and started citing the museum's rules to Jeanne and her friend - who was wearing a crop top showing her navel.

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"At no time does anyone say my cleavage is a problem, they're manifestly staring at my breasts, referring to them as 'that'," Jeanne said.

After being told that she would have to put on a jacket in order to gain entry, Jeanne initially refused, telling the BBC: "I don't want to put on my jacket as I feel beaten, compelled, I'm ashamed.

"I feel everyone's looking at my breasts. All I am is my breasts; all I am is a woman they are sexualizing."

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Following the incident, Jeanne took to Twitter to share a photo of her dress (taken four hours prior to her attempting to enter the museum), and share an open letter (written in French) to the museum.

After her post was retweeted over 23,000 times, the Musée d'Orsay responded, saying that they were aware of the "incident".

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Officials from the museum said: "We deeply regret it and apologise to the person involved, with whom we are getting in touch."

And despite being contacted personally by phone and providing her with a "very sincere apology", Jeanne has still been left unimpressed with the museum's public response on Twitter, telling the BBC that it "fails to recognise the sexist and discriminatory nature of the event".

The student also added that despite the incident, she loves art too much not to return.

Many people on Twitter have also pointed out the irony over the museum's request, considering many works of art on display feature varying degrees of nudity.