Misan Harriman, the chair of the Southbank Centre in London, has confirmed he will step down from his role in the autumn as his second term concludes. Harriman, 48, faced scrutiny following allegations that he shared antisemitic content on social media, prompting investigations by both the Charity Commission and the Arts Council.

The posts under review include a conspiracy theory regarding media coverage of the April stabbings in Golders Green and videos suggesting that Jewish communities were involved in advertising Palestinian land for sale within British synagogues. These allegations have raised questions concerning Harriman’s conduct and suitability to lead the prominent arts institution.

In a video statement posted on Instagram, Harriman said his decision to leave had been made prior to the controversy. "I had decided way before this madness that I was going to do two terms," he said. Harriman emphasized his pride in serving as chair since the post-COVID period and praised the Southbank Centre’s board and staff for their efforts. The centre announced that succession planning is underway, with further details expected next month. According to a spokesperson, Harriman had informed the board of his intention to step down earlier this year, in January.

The controversy surrounding Harriman led to direct intervention by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, who ordered “urgent investigations” into his actions following critical social media posts, including a comparison he drew between the rise of Reform UK and the Nazi Party. This prompted a broader political response after 64 Members of Parliament requested government action.

In a statement earlier this month, Nandy revealed that her team had been liaising with the Southbank Centre, the Arts Council, and the Charity Commission. She also indicated that the Arts Council might consider withdrawing public funding if the investigations find the centre has breached its grant conditions. The Southbank Centre received £18 million in public funding last year.

During Harriman’s tenure, the centre’s donations reportedly declined from £26.6 million in 2021 to £21.3 million in 2024. However, total income for the institution increased over the same period, from £43.16 million in 2022 to £53.9 million last year.

Harriman is the son of Chief Hope Harriman, a Nigerian businessman and politician. Before rising to prominence as a photographer known for capturing Black Lives Matter protests, he worked in executive recruitment in London’s financial sector. He became chair of the Southbank Centre in 2021, four years after entering the arts, and was nominated for an Academy Award in 2023 for his short film, The After.

Despite the controversy, Harriman has received public support from figures such as actors Hugh Bonneville and Eddie Marsan, and artist Dame Tracey Emin, following a petition launched by the Good Law Project, which has gathered over 33,000 signatures in his favor.