The acclaimed architect Sir David Adjaye has stepped back from working on the planned UK Holocaust memorial in Westminster after being accused of sexual misconduct.
His architectural firm, which won a competition to design the memorial, has told the government that Adjaye will not be involved in the project until the issues raised by the allegations have been addressed.
Adjaye, who rejects the claims, has also stepped back from advising the mayor of London as a “design advocate”.
On Tuesday, the Financial Times reported that three women previously employed by Adjaye had accused him of sexual assault and harassment.
They accused him and his firm, Adjaye Associates, of “different forms of exploitation – from alleged sexual assault and sexual harassment by him to a toxic work culture – that have gone unchecked for years”, the FT said.
The women said their dealings with him had “disrupted their careers, left them in precarious financial circumstances and caused them serious mental distress”.
A lawyer for Adjaye told the FT that the three women each had “their own grievances” against Adjaye.
In a statement, Adjaye said: “I absolutely reject any claims of sexual misconduct, abuse or criminal wrongdoing. These allegations are untrue, distressing for me and my family and run counter to everything I stand for.
“I am ashamed to say that I entered into relationships which, though entirely consensual, blurred the boundaries between my professional and personal lives. I am deeply sorry.
“To restore trust and accountability, I will be immediately seeking professional help in order to learn from these mistakes, to ensure that they never happen again.”
The architect, 56, was awarded British architecture’s highest accolade, the Royal Institute of British Architects’ gold medal, in 2021, knighted in 2017 and awarded the Order of Merit last year.
Among his current projects is the redevelopment of Liverpool’s International Slavery Museum and a museum of west African art in Benin City, Nigeria.
Landmark buildings designed by Adjaye include the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC and the Nobel Peace Centre in Oslo.
His business, which has more than 200 employees, has offices in London, Accra and New York.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, which is in charge of the Holocaust memorial, said: “We are aware of the allegations and have spoken with Adjaye Associates.
“They have confirmed that Sir David will not be involved in the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation project until the issues raised have been addressed.”
