Renowned architect known for designing the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., Sir David Adjaye, has decided to step back from several positions following allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct made by three former employees, as reported by The Financial Times.
In response to the accusations, Mr. Adjaye resigned from his role as an architectural adviser to the mayor of London. Additionally, his involvement in a project related to a British Holocaust memorial has been suspended. The Financial Times reported that three women had accused him of various offenses, including sexual assault.
They “accused him and his firm of different forms of exploitation — from alleged sexual assault and sexual harassment by him to a toxic work culture — that have gone unchecked for years.”
In 2012, Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, appointed Mr. Adjaye to a panel of 42 design advocates who advise the mayor on how to ensure “new buildings and public spaces will benefit all Londoners,” according to a news release. He has stepped down from the panel.
“Sir David Adjaye has stepped away from his role as a Design Advocate,” a spokesman for the mayor said in an email.
A spokesman for the British ministry that is overseeing the U.K. Holocaust Memorial and Learning Center, in London, said in an email that the government was “aware of the allegations” and had spoken with Mr. Adjaye’s architecture firm. “They have confirmed that Sir David will not be involved in the U.K. Holocaust Memorial Foundation project until the issues raised have been addressed,” the spokesman said.
These allegations have had significant implications on Mr. Adjaye’s professional engagements, with actions being taken to address the situation and ensure a thorough investigation into the claims.
In a statement on Tuesday, Mr. Adjaye denied the accusations. “I absolutely reject any claims of sexual misconduct, abuse or criminal wrongdoing,” he said in the statement, which was released by Kendal Advisory, a communications and crisis management firm. “These allegations are untrue, distressing for me and my family and run counter to everything I stand for.”
Mr. Adjaye added that he was “ashamed to say that I entered into relationships which though entirely consensual, blurred the boundaries between my professional and personal lives.” He was “deeply sorry” for that, he said, and “will be immediately seeking professional help in order to learn from these mistakes to ensure that they never happen again.”
A spokesperson for Kendal Advisory, representing David Adjaye, declined to provide specific details regarding the professional help he would be seeking, citing it as a personal matter.
David Adjaye, renowned for his design of the esteemed National Museum of African American History and Culture located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., has been widely sought after as an architect. His notable commissions include projects such as Ghana’s national cathedral, a museum in Nigeria dedicated to showcasing African art, and a multi-faith center in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
In a statement, Mr. Adjaye acknowledged the allegations made against him and announced his decision to step down from ceremonial roles and trusteeships, aiming to prevent the allegations from becoming a distraction.