After being accused by numerous women of sexual misconduct, the actor Noel Clarke has been suspended from BAFTA. Yesterday, ina Guardian investigation, 20 women accused Clarke of misconduct. Claims against Clarke include sexual harassment, exposing himself, filming a naked audition and bullying. He denies all allegations of sexual misconduct.
Earlier this month, Clarke was awarded Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema at the BAFTAs. The organisation have now said they've suspended him, saying in a statement last night: 'In light of the allegations of serious misconduct regarding Noel Clarke in The Guardian this evening, BAFTA has taken the decision to suspend his membership and the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award immediately and until further notice.'
However, as pointed out in the Guardian piece, BAFTA were reportedly aware of allegations - made by women anonymously - 13 days before he received his award. (The Guardian piece says: ' Lawyers for Bafta said the charity had no duty to investigate Clarke, but, in any case, it was never given any information to enable it to do so and at no stage was it in a position where it could even begin to consider investigating.')
The news has been widely circulated on social media, with industry figures such as actress Michaela Coel retweeting the article. Comedian London Hughes tweeted, 'I just read a story in this article, that I honestly remember being told by an actor friend around 10 years ago. I was sickened by it then, and I’m sickened by it now. Believe women.'
Following the news breaking last night, police drama Viewpoint, which stars Clarke, aired on ITV. Those who were unaware of the report were shocked to see the allegations teased in a trailer for Ten O’Clock News immediately after the episode, with the reel stating: 'Breaking news involving actor Noel Clarke, who has just been in Viewpoint.' Adverts for the final episode of the show were still being shown this morning.
Clarke said in a statement to The Guardian: '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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