French authorities are investigating literature and linguistics professor Florent Montaclair over allegations that he created a fake “Nobel-style” award and used it to boost his own profile and those of others. Multiple reports say Montaclair is accused of inventing the “Gold Medal of Philology,” an honor presented by an organization bearing the same name as the claimed award. The investigation centers on a 2016 ceremony held at the French National Assembly, where Montaclair received the medal and the event reportedly included other recipients such as linguist Noam Chomsky. The ceremony was attended by Nobel prize winners, former government ministers, members of parliament, and decorated scientists and academics, according to the accounts. Authorities are now examining how the award was established, who authorized it, and whether any individuals received medals through legitimate channels. The allegations describe what one report calls a “gigantic hoax” or fraud, but details of findings have not been reported as conclusive. Montaclair has been identified as the key figure in the inquiry.