Kehinde Wiley, the renowned artist known for his portrait of Barack Obama, is currently embroiled in a series of sexual assault and abuse accusations made by several individuals. One of the accusers, Ghanaian artist Joseph Awuah-Darko, accused Wiley of assaulting him twice in 2021. However, Wiley has fought back against these claims by sharing alleged records of messages from Awuah-Darko expressing admiration for him and his work. Despite the evidence presented by Wiley, Awuah-Darko has not responded to the rebuttal. Another accuser, activist Derrick Ingram, publicly accused Wiley of rape, detailing instances of violence and emotional manipulation during their alleged relationship. Wiley has vehemently denied all accusations and claims to be a victim of a smear campaign.
Kehinde Wiley’s works are highly valued, with pieces selling for hundreds of thousands at auctions. He has garnered a following among celebrity collectors such as Elton John, Spike Lee, Alicia Keys, and Venus Williams. Wiley’s reputation in the art world has been solidified by his collaborations with various notable figures and appearances in music videos. Despite his success and recognition, the recent allegations have tarnished his public image and raised questions about his behavior.
Since the initial accusations, more individuals have come forward with allegations against Kehinde Wiley. UK-based author and curator Nathaniel Lloyd Richards accused Wiley of inappropriate touching and groping during a date in 2019. Another accuser, Terrell Armistead, claimed that he was assaulted by Wiley in 2010. Both individuals have shared their stories on social media, amplifying the accusations against Wiley. As the number of accusers grows, Wiley’s attorney has refuted the claims and attributed them to a coordinated effort to defame the artist.
In response to the allegations, Kehinde Wiley’s attorney has emphasized his innocence and denied any inappropriate conduct towards the accusers. The attorney has also criticized the accusers for their lack of evidence and accused them of participating in a vendetta against Wiley. Legal battles are brewing as some accusers plan to sue Wiley for the alleged incidents. Despite the mounting pressure and public scrutiny, Wiley remains steadfast in defending his reputation and pursuing legal avenues to address the accusations. As the controversy unfolds, the art world and public opinion are divided on the credibility of the allegations against Kehinde Wiley.