British artist and 2019 Turner Prize winner Tai Shani has withdrawn her forthcoming monograph from Phaidon Press, citing graphic sexual assault accusations against the publisher’s owner, Leon Black, detailed in recently released Jeffrey Epstein files.
Shani announced the decision in an Instagram statement on February 17, 2026, referencing “numerous horrific allegations” from Department of Justice documents that highlight abuse of young women and children. She described the withdrawal as a “feminist practice” to avoid associating her work with contexts of violence and misogyny.
Background on Allegations
Leon Black, who acquired Phaidon in 2012, faces renewed scrutiny from Epstein files revealing details like a Jane Doe lawsuit alleging sexual abuse at age 16. Black denies all accusations, with his attorney calling them “false and fraudulent,” and he has faced other suits, some dismissed or withdrawn.
This marks the second high-profile Phaidon cancellation linked to Black; in 2021, Guerrilla Girls ended their book deal over his Epstein ties. Phaidon has not commented on Shani’s withdrawal.
Artist Profile
Tai Shani, based in London, works in film, performance, sculpture, and photography, often exploring feminist theory and narrative through gothic, sci-fi lenses. Her 2019 Turner Prize entry adapted Christine de Pizan’s The Book of the City of Ladies into multimedia works
Athmaja Biju is the Editor at Abir Pothi. She is a Translator and Writer working on Visual Culture.
