The crisis for the Swedish Academy started when one of the members husband was accused, and later sentenced, for sexual assault. Several members took the time-out and some stopped after the King changed the statutes and made it possible.

The Academy starts its feast with seven of the remaining members sitting on their chairs at the Börshuset in Stockholm. In order to be able to make decisions, at least seven members must attend, which in 2018 were usually was this seven persons. Later in the evening, three new members are elected. The seven gentlemen are: permanent secretary Anders Olsson, Horace Engdahl, Tomas Riad, Per Wästberg, Sture Allén, Bo Ralph and Jesper Svenbro.