David Adjaye, the celebrated Ghanaian-British architect who designed the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, resigned from several offices on Tuesday after the Financial Times reported that three former employees accused him of sexual accused of harassment of wrongdoing.
Mr Adjaye resigned as architecture adviser to the Mayor of London and his work on a UK Holocaust memorial was halted after the Financial Times reported that three unnamed women “had accused him and his company of various forms of exploitation”. — from allegations of sexual assault and harassment by him to a toxic work culture — that have gone unchecked for years.”
In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Adjaye denied the allegations. “I strongly object to any allegations 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, disturbing to me and my family, and go against everything I stand for.”
Mr Adjaye added that he was “ashamed to say that I entered into relationships that, while entirely consensual, blurred the lines between my professional and personal life.” Seek help to learn from those mistakes and make sure they never happen again.”
A spokesman for Kendal Advisory declined to explain what that professional help would entail, describing it as a personal matter.
Mr. Adjaye’s design for the renowned National Museum of African American History and Culture on Washington’s National Mall made him one of the most sought-after architects in the world. His commissions include the National Cathedral of Ghana; a museum in Nigeria showcasing African art; and a multifaith center in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
In the statement, Mr Adjaye said he was also stepping down from ceremonial roles and trusteeships so the allegations “don’t become a distraction”.
In 2022, Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, appointed Mr Adjaye to a panel of 42 design advocates to advise the mayor on how to ensure “new buildings and public spaces benefit all Londoners,” according to a press release . He has resigned from the board.
“Sir David Adjaye has retired from his role as design advocate,” a spokesman for the mayor said in an email.
A spokesman for the UK department, which oversees the UK Holocaust Memorial and Learning Center in London, said in an email that the government was “aware of the allegations” and had spoken to Mr Adjaye’s architectural firm. “They have confirmed that Sir David will not be involved with the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation project until the issues raised are resolved,” the spokesman said.
The Financial Times reported that one of the women alleged that Mr Adjaye sexually abused her, including in a toilet at a Johannesburg airport in 2019. It was reported that the woman said she tried to lodge a complaint with Mr Adjaye’s company but her concerns were dismissed. Mr Adjaye told the newspaper that he has denied all allegations, including the alleged assault on the toilet.
In June, Mr. Adjaye opened his first residential tower in the United States, 130 William, in Manhattan. He also designed the proposed new Studio Museum in Harlem, a master plan for Cleveland’s riverfront, and is commissioned with the reconstruction of the Princeton University Art Museum.
As well as securing significant commissions, Mr Adjaye has been a prominent advocate for the rights of groups under-represented among architects, including women, over the past decade. In a 2017 interview with Dezeen, an online design magazine, he said he “finds it exhausting that women are still fighting for gender equality”.
“We live in the 21st century,” he added. “It’s such an old story, we should be over it by now.” As a man, I’m embarrassed.”