Ghanaian seeks funds to sue U.S Artist for alleged sexual assault

Ghanaian artist Joseph Awuah-Darko is seeking financial assistance to cover the legal expenses for an upcoming lawsuit against prominent U.S. artist Kehinde Wiley.

The legal costs for the case he said are estimated to be around $200,000. In a March Instagram post, Awuah-Darko revealed that he had been sexually assaulted several years ago, though he did not disclose the name of the alleged perpetrator at that time.

The Ghanaian artist indicated he’s prepared to never remain silent on the matter but to seek justice. However, he noted that the legal fees involved if he is to pursue the matter is costly, hence appealing for financial support.

“It should never happen to anybody. I have decided I will not be silent and I am willing to see it through to justice.

“The first step in what may be a long process. Here are ways to contribute towards current and projected legal fees [our target is $200,000],” he wrote on Instagram.

The Ghanaian artist in a video posted on his Instagram page said “I know my life will change forever after I share this but it’s time to come to the light.”

Joseph Awuah-Darko had made public accusations against renowned Nigerian-American artist Kehinde Wiley, alleging that he was sexually assaulted by Wiley on two occasions in June 2021.

The artist disclosed in an Instagram post on May 19 that the alleged assault happened during a dinner held on June 9, 2021 by the Ghana Creative Art Council at the Noldor Artist Residency.

Awuah-Darko asserted that Wiley had touched his buttocks inappropriately while they were ascending the stairs with another guest to the bathroom.

He stressed that this behavior was unwarranted and without any provocation, adding that there was a witness present, whose identity he chose not to disclose.

“In the first assault, I was inappropriately groped by Kehinde Wiley who proceeded to grab my buttocks with his hand before then saying something along the lines of “What is this thing?”.

This happened in front of another dinner guest, while I was politely ushering them both up flights of stairs to use the bathroom during said dinner,” Joseph Awuah-Darko wrote on Instagram.

Kehinde Wiley has refuted the sexual assault allegations made against him, stating that he had a brief consensual relationship with Joseph Awuah-Darko three years ago.

He labeled the accusations as untrue and false, characterizing them as an insult to all victims of sexual abuse.

Wiley claimed to possess numerous pieces of evidence supporting his innocence and urged for privacy as he endeavors to vindicate himself.