Westminster Holocaust memorial designer steps down following sexual misconduct claims

The lead architect of the Westminster Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre project has stepped down amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

Sir David Adjaye was removed from involvement in the long-running project after the accusations of sexual misconduct were made by three employees at his firm Adjaye Associates.

They claimed to have been left in emotional distress after sexual abuse and harassment by Sir David, 56.

He apologised after admitting starting relationships with the former employees but denied abuse, following a report in the FT newspaper.

Lord Pickles, the government’s special envoy for post-Holocaust issues confirmed Adjaye had been removed from the memorial project, which he was commissioned to design in 2017.

But the Conservative peer stressed the progress of the memorial, which passed its second reading in the Commons last week, would not be impacted by the decision.

A Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communitiesspokesperson 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.”

Adjaye said:”“I am ashamed to say that I entered into relationships which, though entirely consensual, blurred the boundaries between my professional and personal lives.”