Globally renowned Nigerian-American artist Kehinde Wiley has refuted allegations of sexual assault made against him by Ghanaian artist Joseph Awuah-Darko.
In a recent Instagram post, Awuah-Darko accused Wiley of assaulting him twice in June 2021.
Wiley admitted to having a brief consensual relationship with Awuah-Darko three years ago but denied the assault claims.
He described the accusations as false and noted that there is evidence to prove his innocence. The artist expressed his hope that Awuah-Darko receives the necessary help and requested privacy as he works to clear his name.
Awuah-Darko alleged that while assisting Wiley and another guest to the bathroom, Wiley groped him and made inappropriate comments. In response, Wiley has emphasized that the claims are baseless and do not reflect the truth.
The controversy has sparked conversations about accountability, recompense, and collective healing for victims of sexual abuse.
Both artists are respected figures in the art world, and this dispute has raised important questions about consent and boundaries.
