BAFTA and Sky have stopped working with British actor, writer, and filmmaker Noel Clarke after The Guardian published multiple allegations of sexual and professional misconduct lodged against him. Per The Guardian, 20 women variously allege that the former Doctor Who star engaged in unwanted touching, groping, verbal abuse, professional misconduct, and sexual harassment between 2004 and 2019. The accusations came shortly after the British Academy of Film and Television Arts announced it was planning to give Clarke a special award for outstanding contribution to British cinema. After The Guardian published the allegations, Clarke had his BAFTA membership and award revoked.
“In light of The Guardian’s piece, which for BAFTA provided for the first time detailed accounts outlining serious allegations regarding Noel Clarke’s conduct, we have immediately suspended the award and Noel Clarke’s membership of BAFTA until further notice,” BAFTA said in a statement, per The Guardian.
Sky has reportedly halted production on season four of Clarke’s British police drama Bulletproof and severed ties with Clark. “Sky stands against all forms of sexual harassment and bullying and takes any allegations of this nature extremely seriously. Effective immediately, we have halted Noel Clarke’s involvement in any future Sky productions,” Sky said in a statement carried by The Guardian and Deadline.
Michaela Coel**—**creator and star of the critically acclaimed limited series I May Destroy You, which follows a woman in the aftermath of her rape—has issued a statement standing in solidarity with the 20 women who have come forward and accused Clarke of sexual harassment. “I am here to offer great support for the 20 brave women who have come forward; those who have shared their identities with us, but also those who have preferred to use an alias; the mental hurdles a black woman must overcome to do such a thing as reveal their identity within a narrative of rape abuse or bullying at the hands of someone within our own community can sometimes be too much,” Coel’s statement reads.
Coel’s statement continues: “Speaking out about these incidents takes a lot of strength because some call them ‘grey areas’. They are however far from grey. These behaviours are unprofessional, violent, and can destroy a person’s perception of themselves, their place in the world and their career irreparably. I have shared to show solidarity, to express my belief in them and to stand with them in their indignation.”
Clarke has denied all accusations of sexual misconduct and wrongdoing. In a statement to The Guardian, Clarke said, “In a 20-year career, I have put inclusivity and diversity at the forefront of my work and never had a complaint made against me. If anyone who has worked with me has ever felt uncomfortable or disrespected, I sincerely apologise. I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing and intend to defend myself against these false allegations.”
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