Riyas Komu, co-founder and secretary of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, has stepped down from all management positions after he was accused of sexual harassment during the #MeToo movement.
He issued an apology on his Instagram account. He wrote, “I’m deeply upset that this incident has been understood and presented in this manner. However, as the person has expressed hurt, I would like here to offer my apologies and I am opening myself to the possibility of a conversation,” reported the Indian Express
“As an artist who is committed to social and political causes, I support the #MeToo movement that has disrupted the prevailing structures of authority and created ways for representing previously suppressed voices,” he added.
The Kochi Biennale issued a statement announcing that Komu will be stepping down from all his positions, reported The Hindu. “Though the Foundation has received no formal complaint, we are collectively committed to ensuring zero tolerance to any harassment or misconduct, and have decided to constitute a committee to inquire into this matter. Riyas Komu has stepped down from all his management positions connected to the Biennale till the matter is resolved. The Kochi Biennale Foundation is responsible for the safety and security of its community, and will take all measures to ensure this as we work together in making the Biennale,” the statement read.
The Kochi Biennale is scheduled to start on November 18.
The anonymously-run Instagram account, Scene and Herd, has posted a number of anonymous stories of sexual harassment in the art community.