Architect David Adjaye resigns from U.K. Holocaust Memorial Project amid sexual harassment allegations
Sir-David-Ajdaye-RIBA
David Adjaye, the renowned Ghanaian-British architect responsible for designing The Ghana National Cathedral, has resigned from his role in the U.K Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre project in London. The decision comes after the UK government was made aware of allegations of sexual harassment against Adjaye.
According to a report by nytimes.com, a spokesperson for the British ministry overseeing the U.K. Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre confirmed that the government had been informed of the allegations and had engaged in discussions with David Adjaye’s architecture firm.
As a result, Adjaye will no longer be involved in the U.K. Holocaust Memorial Foundation project until the allegations against him have been addressed. He submitted an official resignation letter to the mayor of London, and his role within the foundation has been suspended.
The allegations of sexual harassment, assault, and a toxic work culture were raised against David Adjaye by three former employees in an investigation published by The Financial Times Newspaper.
In response to the accusations, Adjaye released a statement on July 4, 2023, vehemently denying any claims of sexual misconduct, abuse, or criminal wrongdoing. The statement, issued through Kendal Advisory, a communications and crisis management firm, expressed Adjaye’s distress over the false allegations and emphasized that they contradict his principles and values.
Adjaye, who serves as the architectural adviser to the mayor of London, has garnered international recognition for his outstanding architectural designs. Some of his notable projects include the National Museum of African American History and Culture situated on the iconic National Mall in Washington, D.C., The Ghana National Cathedral, a museum in Nigeria showcasing African art, and a multi-faith center in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
In light of these allegations, Adjaye expressed remorse for engaging in relationships that blurred the boundaries between his personal and professional life, despite them being consensual. He acknowledged his wrongdoing and vowed to seek professional assistance to learn from his mistakes and prevent their recurrence in the future.
SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh
