Kehinde Wiley Faces Sexual Assault Allegations

Sunday, May 19, 2024 artist Joseph Awuah-Darko posted on Instagram accusing well-known artist Kehinde Wiley of a traumatic sexual assault. Awuah- Darko’s Instagram post mentioned

“On 9^th June 2021- I was sexual assaulted by @kehindewiley. It almost destroyed me.I hope my words and openness about my painful experience empower others to come forward. I hope all that unravels creates a path towards not only accountability, but recompense and collective healing for other victims. I will continue to dwell in hope [ fear is too easy ]

The only ideal sexual abuse victim is a dead one, but l’m not going anywhere. I’m here to face it. I’m here. To those who have above all believed me, sat with me, embraced me and seen me -Thank you.”

Awuah-Darko claims Wiley sexually assaulted him twice during a dinner hosted by Ghana’s Creative Art Council at The Noldor Artist Residency . 

“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?”. 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 act was categorically unwelcome and unprovoked – Wiley had barely known me for more than 2 hours by this point and I was wearing a modest dark green kaftan. I was stunned and concerned for two reasons: [A] this unsolicited act had occurred in Ghana at my place of work, and [B] it was done by a critically celebrated artist who knew the power he wielded and seemed clearly prepared to abuse it. Nevertheless, I placated the situation with awkward humour and the dinner subsequently continued.

The second assault was much more severe and violent.”

Weeks prior on March 23^rd, 2024 Awuah-Darko posted an Instagram reel alluding to the sexual assault that had taken place.

An hour after Awuah- Darko’s  post Kehinde Wiley posted to Instagram a response to the allegations.    

“Someone I had a brief, consensual relationship with almost three years ago is now making a false accusation about our time together. These claims are not true and are an affront to all victims of sexual abuse. I have no idea why he has decided to target me in this way – particularly when there is a litany of evidence showing his claims are false – but I hope he gets the help he needs for whatever he is going through. I kindly ask for privacy as I work to clear my name.”

A major difference stands between the two artist as Awuah Darko claims the two have only known each other for less than two hours, but Wiley claims the two had a “ brief consensual relationship.” 

As the story continues and legal action is taken, updates will come forth about the evolution of this situation. Subscribe to Gotham Art News for more updates.