The art world has been rocked by shocking allegations of sexual assault leveled against renowned portrait painter Kehinde Wiley. The accuser, Ghanaian social entrepreneur and artist Joseph Nana Kwaku Awuah-Darko, known as Okuntakinte, took to Instagram on Sunday, May 19th, to share his harrowing experience.
In a series of posts, Okuntakinte detailed the alleged assault, which he claims occurred on June 9th, 2021. His words paint a disturbing picture of betrayal and trauma, as he recounts the incident that “almost destroyed” him. Okuntakinte’s bravery in coming forward has ignited a firestorm of outrage and demands for accountability within the art community. ” He went on to express hope that speaking out would empower other victims and lead to accountability and healing.
Wiley, whose works have graced the walls of prestigious institutions and captured the attention of global audiences, swiftly responded to the allegations, vehemently denying any wrongdoing. In a statement, he characterized the claims as “false” and an “affront to all victims of sexual abuse,” asserting that he had a “brief, consensual relationship” with Okuntakinte nearly three years ago.
Wiley social media post. “Someone I had a brief, consensual relationship with almost three years ago is now making a false accusation about our time together. These claims are not true and are an affront to all victims of sexual abuse,” he stated, asking for privacy as he works to clear his name.
The stark contrast in narratives has left the art world grappling with a profound sense of disillusionment and betrayal. Wiley, whose work has been celebrated for its powerful commentary on identity and representation, now finds himself at the center of a controversy that strikes at the very heart of the values he purports to uphold.
Wiley is also known for his vibrant portraits celebrating Black culture, became the first African American artist to paint an official presidential portrait when he was commissioned for the Obamas’ likenesses in 2017.
This is not the first time Wiley’s work has courted controversy. In 2012, his paintings depicting Black women holding the severed heads of white women sparked backlash, with some criticizing the violent imagery as racist. The artist defended the pieces as symbolic commentary on Black oppression.
As the allegations continue to unfold, the art community is faced with a reckoning – a moment of introspection and soul-searching. How could such a revered figure be accused of such a heinous act? And more importantly, how can the industry ensure that victims of sexual misconduct are heard, believed, and supported? The art world waits with bated breath to see how this saga will unfold and what implications it may have for Wiley’s celebrated career and legacy.
TANTV reached out to both Darko and Wiley for comment.
Who is Joseph Nana Kwame Awuah-Darko – “Okuntakinte”?
Joseph Nana Kwame Awuah-Darko, also known as Okuntakinte, is a Ghanaian social entrepreneur, artist, and philanthropist. He gained attention and courted controversy with the release of his 2016 music video “Melanin Girls,” which sparked an anti-skin bleaching campaign and social media movement encouraging dark-skinned girls to embrace their natural beauty. The video garnered widespread media coverage, including from BBC World Service, for its provocative message challenging colorism and promoting self-love among Black women.
Awuah-Darko has also been involved in philanthropic initiatives, co-founding the Agbogblo Shine Initiative in 2017, a non-profit organization dedicated to funding social enterprises and projects focused on design thinking and problem-solving in underserved communities. Despite his young age, he made history in 2019 by becoming the youngest major donor to his alma mater, Ashesi University, with a $20,000 donation.
However, Awuah-Darko’s rise to prominence has not been without controversy. In May 2024, he accused renowned American portrait painter Kehinde Wiley of sexual assault, detailing the alleged incident in an emotional Instagram post that included screenshots and a video. The accusation sparked backlash against Wiley, who vehemently denied the claims, stating that Awuah-Darko’s allegations were false and an “affront to all victims of sexual abuse.
