TL;DR
Misan Harriman has confirmed he will step down from his position as chair of the Southbank Centre this autumn. His departure follows recent media criticism and public protests over his social media comments regarding a recent attack in London.
Misan Harriman has confirmed he will step down as chair of London’s Southbank Centre this autumn, ending his tenure amid recent media scrutiny and public protests over his social media comments related to a recent attack in London.
Harriman, a renowned photographer and activist, announced his decision to leave the Southbank Centre, where he has served as chair since 2021. The announcement follows weeks of media attention and public complaints concerning his social media responses to the April 29 attack in Golders Green, north London. The incident involved a stabbing by Essa Suleiman, accused of targeting Jewish victims in what police described as a terrorist act, and also involving a Muslim victim, Ishmail Hussein.
In a statement, a Southbank Centre spokesperson confirmed that Harriman would not seek a third term and would depart in the fall. The organization is reportedly engaged in succession planning, with further details to be announced after their upcoming annual general meeting in July. Harriman had previously indicated that his term was coming to an end, stating, “I had decided way before this madness that I was going to do two terms.”
Implications of Harriman’s Departure for Southbank Centre
The resignation of Misan Harriman as chair marks a significant change for the Southbank Centre, which has been under scrutiny amid controversy surrounding his social media activity and the broader debate over free expression and accountability in arts leadership. His departure could influence the organization’s future direction and its handling of social and political issues, especially given the ongoing public debate about the role of arts institutions in social justice.
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Background of Controversy and Leadership Tenure
Misan Harriman, born in Nigeria, became the first Black photographer to shoot a Vogue cover in September 2020. He took on the role of chair at the Southbank Centre in 2021, during a period marked by increased public focus on issues of race, activism, and free speech. Recently, he faced criticism after social media comments linked to his response to the April attack in Golders Green, which involved a stabbing by Essa Suleiman, accused of targeting Jewish victims in what police described as a terrorist incident. Harriman criticized media coverage of the attack, particularly the perceived lack of attention to the Muslim victim, and posted a reflection on the success of the right-wing Reform Party, which led to accusations of antisemitism from right-wing outlets.
This controversy intensified after right-wing media accused Harriman of making antisemitic remarks, prompting thousands of complaints and a celebrity-backed letter condemning the media smear campaign. Harriman has publicly stated that he has received threats following the social media debate, which he views as part of a broader effort to marginalize his activism.
“Misan Harriman will not seek a third term and will depart this autumn. Succession planning is underway, with further details to be confirmed after our annual general meeting in July.”
— Southbank Centre spokesperson
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Unresolved Questions About Future Leadership
It remains unclear who will succeed Harriman as chair of the Southbank Centre or how the organization will address the controversy publicly. Details about the selection process and potential shifts in the institution’s social or political stance are still to be announced.
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Next Steps for Southbank Centre Leadership Transition
The Southbank Centre is expected to announce its new chair after the July general meeting. The organization will likely also address how it plans to handle the ongoing controversy and restore public confidence. Meanwhile, Harriman’s departure marks the end of his tenure, with further organizational changes possible in the coming months.
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Key Questions
Why is Misan Harriman stepping down now?
Harriman announced his decision to step down prior to recent media scrutiny and controversy over his social media comments related to the London attack. His departure is scheduled for this autumn, with organizational succession planning already underway.
Will Harriman be replaced as chair of the Southbank Centre?
Yes, the Southbank Centre is planning to appoint a new chair after their upcoming annual general meeting in July. Details about the successor have not yet been disclosed.
What prompted the criticism against Harriman?
The criticism arose from social media comments Harriman made regarding the Golders Green attack, particularly his criticism of media coverage and reflections on the political climate, which right-wing outlets accused of antisemitism. Thousands of complaints and a celebrity-backed letter condemned the media smear campaign.
What impact might this have on the Southbank Centre?
The leadership change could influence the organization’s future direction, especially regarding its engagement with social and political issues. The organization may also face increased scrutiny as it manages the fallout from the controversy.
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