Famous Ghanaian-British architect David Adjaye accused of sexual assault by three women

It is the British daily Financial Times that reveals this case. David Adjaye is known for designing the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., and for designing the upcoming National Cathedral in Accra and the upcoming Museum of West African Art in Benin City, Nigeria. The architect acknowledges consensual sexual relations and denies any accusation of assault.

Ghanaian-British architect David Adjaye, winner of the 2021 Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Gold Medal, here in 2017, faces sexual assault charges. © Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images via AFP

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According to the Financial Times, David Adjaye assaulted two female employees in his apartment in Accra in 2018. According to the two women, the architect appeared in a dressing gown in the living room, before luring them into his bedroom. The first took refuge in the bathroom, while the second, slightly drunk, claims to "have felt on her the sex" of her boss, the latter telling her to let go.

Less than a year later, the alleged victim, who was assisting David Adjaye on a project in South Africa, accused him of assaulting him more violently in the toilets of Johannesburg's OR Tambo airport. A third woman claims that in 2019, the architect pinned her against a wall and forcibly kissed her at the Royal Academy of Arts in London. It describes sexual control and public humiliation for several months.

Other women concerned

The Platform for the Protection of Whistleblowers in Africa assisted the alleged victims. Her legal adviser, Zanele Mbuyisa, says other women share the same experiences: "Some have denounced forms of sexual assault, others have described a toxic work environment in David Adjay's company. The common point of all these testimonials is that everyone knew his reputation towards women, but they were afraid to talk about it, because Adjay is powerful and influential in the art world.

Contacted by RFI, David Adjaye's lawyer says that his client, who is married, denies any form of assault, but acknowledges consensual sexual relations of which he is ashamed and says he is helped not to do it again.

Even so, the Financial Times investigation is already having consequences for David Adjaye, who is withdrawing from two architectural projects in London. And according to the Platform for the Protection of Whistleblowers in Africa, a complaint has been filed in South Africa.

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