#metoo hits the world of architecture
Five Women Accuse Richard Meier of Sexual Harassment, According to New York Times
According to a story published online Tuesday afternoon in the New York Times, five women have come forward with accusations of sexual harassment by Richard Meier, the 83-year-old, Pritzker Prizewinning architect. According to a statement issued by the firm, the founder will take a six-month leave of absence.
I am deeply troubled and embarrassed by the accounts of several women who were offended by my words and actions, Meier said in the statement. While our recollections may differ, I sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended by my behavior.
Four of the women identified in the Times story worked for Meier, with two describing similar instances of the architect exposing himself to them at his apartment in New York. A third employee alleges that Meier asked her to undress at his apartment, while a fourth referenced an incident, which was witnessed by coworkers, that occurred at a holiday party. Two of the four recalled having been warned by colleagues about the founders behavior before their experiences with Meier.
https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/13294-five-women-accuse-richard-meier-of-sexual-harassment-according-to-new-york-times?id=13294-five-women-accuse-richard-meier-of-sexual-harassment-according-to-new-york-times&ajs_uid=8443F3931723I7S&ajs_trait_oebid=3782E0258467B1M
Cornell also declined the architect's gift to name the chair of the School of Architecture.