Survivor of alleged sexual misconduct by architect Sir David Adjaye speaks
Ms. Toni M. Isidore Smart, one of the survivors mentioned in the investigative piece published by the Financial Times last month, addressing allegations of sexual misconduct involving architect Sir David Adjaye, has released a statement detailing her experience.
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Ms. Smart took to Instagram to express her sentiments regarding the matter. She highlighted how Sir Adjaye allegedly misused their connection and history of friendship.
She further delved into aspects of her family background and the process of developing the story that eventually came to light in the Financial Times' exposé.
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Ms. Smart was among the "FT3," a group of three women whose experiences were featured in the initial news story.
In response to the allegations and the exposure of the disclosures, Sir Adjaye released a statement denying the "false" allegations.
"I categorically deny any allegations of sexual misconduct, abuse, or criminal wrongdoing. These accusations are entirely false, and they have caused immense distress to both me and my family. They are also completely contrary to the principles I uphold," he said in a statement.
"While I acknowledge that sharing correspondence with the Ghanaian government was not a prudent decision, my intention was never for it to be made public. Once I became aware of media coverage in Ghana, I immediately engaged legal representation to ensure the prompt removal of the women's identities and the articles."
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Following the publication of the original story, certain clients and institutions took measures to distance themselves from Mr. Adjaye and/or his firm, Adjaye Associates.
Ms. Smart revealed that she and the other survivors approached various publications before ultimately collaborating with Josh Spero and Anjli Raval of the Financial Times.
She expressed that The Architects Journal turned them away, citing resource constraints, and observed a shift in their coverage from light commentary to more substantial reporting. Ms. Smart also mentioned an encounter with a respected newspaper in Trinidad and Tobago, where an investigative journalist who later made advances toward her dismissed her initial approach.
Contrary to being an architect, Smart identifies herself as a "Granddaughter, an accountant, a lawyer, a Mother, and a Teacher/Lecturer."
Ms. Smart advocated for further discussions on the subjects of gender inequality, gender-based violence, and the architectural field, particularly in Africa. She asserted the need for transformation within the industry, replacing a framework that elevates a few as revered figures while the majority faces unrecognized toil in a hostile work environment.
She further called for dialogue on the origins and healing of self-loathing within the black male community and appreciated those who have shared their experiences, including Ngozi Olojede and Ewa Lenart.
Smart also shared her statement via Twitter and LinkedIn.
