Globally recognized Nigerian-American artist Kehinde Wiley has denied sexual assault allegations made by Ghanaian artist Joseph Awuah-Darko.
Wiley acknowledged having a relationship with Awuah-Darko but described it as a “brief consensual” relationship three years ago, refuting any claims of sexual assault.
On Sunday, May 19, Awuah-Darko accused Wiley of sexual assault in an Instagram post, alleging that Wiley assaulted him twice in June 2021.
“I was sexually assaulted by @kehindewiley. It almost destroyed me,” Awuah-Darko wrote. “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.”
Awuah-Darko claimed that while ushering Wiley and another dinner guest to the bathroom, Wiley allegedly groped him and made an inappropriate comment. Awuah-Darko said he responded with “awkward humor” to diffuse the situation.
In response, Wiley called the claims “false” and “not true,” describing them as an “affront to all victims of sexual abuse.”
He stated there is ample evidence proving his innocence and requested privacy while he works to clear his name.
“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,” Wiley stated.
See post below:
