Artist Kehinde Wiley, known for his iconic portrait of Barack Obama, is currently facing multiple accusations of sexual assault and abuse from various men. One accuser, Joseph Awuah-Darko, alleged that Wiley assaulted him twice in 2021. However, Wiley responded by sharing alleged messages from Awuah-Darko expressing admiration for his work and professing his love. Another accuser, Derrick Ingram, accused Wiley of rape, claiming that the assault occurred in September 2021 during a four-month relationship that included violent incidents.
Despite the accusations, Wiley has denied all claims of wrongdoing. He has accused Awuah-Darko of conspiring with Ingram to defame him and has shared alleged texts from Ingram expressing a desire to see Wiley again. Wiley has questioned the motivations behind these accusations and the impact of false claims on individuals’ lives in the age of social media. A close source to Wiley mentioned that the artist is tired of being the target of baseless allegations and plans to defend his reputation against the accusers.
Since the initial accusations, two more alleged victims have come forward with claims against Wiley. UK-based author Nathaniel Lloyd Richards accused Wiley of inappropriate touching and groping during a date in 2019, while Terrell Armistead claimed that Wiley had raped him in 2010. Both Awuah-Darko and Ingram shared Armistead’s story on social media, amplifying the accusations against Wiley. Wiley and his attorney have vehemently denied both Richards and Armistead’s claims, stating that they have no recollection of these incidents ever occurring.
Legal action seems to be on the horizon as Ingram and Awuah-Darko plan to sue Wiley over the alleged incidents. Wiley’s attorney has emphasized the importance of distinguishing truth from falsehood on social media platforms and the lack of evidence supporting Ingram’s claims. Despite the mounting allegations and potential legal battles, Wiley remains focused on clearing his name and defending his reputation against what he perceives as a smear campaign orchestrated by his accusers.
The situation continues to escalate as more individuals come forward with allegations against Wiley. The artist, who is hailed as one of the most influential figures in global Black culture, is now facing a significant challenge to his reputation and legacy due to the accusations of sexual assault and abuse. It remains to be seen how this controversy will unravel and what impact it will have on Wiley’s career and public image moving forward.
