A prominent Ghanaian artist, Joseph Awuah-Darko, has stepped forward with disturbing allegations against world-renowned artist Kehinde Wiley. In a social media post, Awuah-Darko accuses Wiley of sexual assault on two separate occasions during a dinner in his honor back in June 2021.
The incident allegedly occurred at the Noldor Artist Residency, a creative space founded by Awuah-Darko himself. The dinner was reportedly hosted by the Ghana Creative Art Council to celebrate Wiley’s visit to the country.
Awuah-Darko’s Instagram post details the first assault, claiming Wiley groped his buttocks while escorting him and another guest to the restroom. He emphasizes the unwelcome nature of the touch, stating it happened in front of another witness and left him stunned.
“In the first assault, I was inappropriately groped by Kehinde Wiley who proceeded to grab my buttocks with his hand before then saying something along the lines of ‘What is this thing?'” Awuah-Darko wrote. “This happened in front of another dinner guest, while I was politely ushering them both up flights of stairs to use the bathroom during said dinner.”
The artist goes on to describe a second, more severe assault but refrains from sharing specifics. He expresses hope for legal repercussions against Wiley and suggests there may be additional victims.
“All I can do is pray for the strength, resources and support to see justice through and hope that others come forward to put an end to this pattern of abuse,” Awuah-Darko added.
Kehinde Wiley has vehemently denied the allegations. Through his representatives, he claims to have had “a brief consensual relationship” with Awuah-Darko three years ago. Wiley characterizes the accusations as “false” and “damaging” to true victims of sexual assault.
He maintains his innocence and suggests possessing evidence to prove his claims. Wiley has requested privacy while he works to clear his name.
This situation has ignited a conversation about power dynamics within the art world and the importance of believing survivors. Awuah-Darko’s courage in coming forward has sparked discussions on the need for a safe space for artists, particularly those facing harassment or abuse from established figures.
The coming days and weeks will likely see further developments as both sides present their narratives. The art community awaits to see if additional victims emerge and what evidence, if any, surfaces to support either claim.
