Clarke in apology and ‘will seek help’ after claims
NOEL CLARKE has said he will be seeking professional help and has apologised “deeply” for his actions, but has “vehemently” denied sexual misconduct or criminal behaviour.
The actor and producer said it has become clear to him that “some of my actions have affected people in ways I did not intend or realise”, and offered an apology to those affected.
His statement comes after 20 women who knew Clarke in a professional capacity came forward and made allegations about him to The Guardian newspaper.
Clarke said in a statement to the Press Association news agency: “I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or criminal wrongdoing.
“Recent reports however have made it clear to me that some of my actions have affected people in ways I did not intend or realise.
“To those individuals, I am deeply sorry. I will be seeking professional help to educate myself and change for the better.”
His statment comes after broadcaster ITV announed it has pulled the concluding episode of drama Viewpoint from schedules after the allegations.
The actor is currently starring in the thriller as DC Martin Young, a surveillance detective who sets up his observation post in the home of a single mother.
The five-part drama was broadcast throughout this week and was due to conclude last night.
The channel said in a statement: “ITV has a zero tolerance policy to bullying, harassment and victimisation and robust procedures in place to investigate and deal with any complaints.
“We strongly believe that everyone deserves to work in a supportive and safe environment.
“In light of the very serious nature of the allegations against Noel Clarke raised by 20 women in the Guardian’s report, ITV has decided it is no longer appropriate to broadcast the final episode of the drama Viewpoint on ITV main channel this evening.
“We are mindful that some of our viewers have already invested four hours of their time over the past four nights in following this thriller which was due to conclude this evening, and they have yet to see the final episode.
“As such we plan to make it available on ITV Hub tonight for a limited time for any viewers who wish to seek it out, and watch its conclusion.”
Broadcaster Sky, which has aired three series of Clarke’s series Bulletproof, has said it is halting work with Clarke following the accusations.
Meanwhile Bafta has sought to explain why it honoured Clarke with the outstanding British contribution to cinema award earlier this month – after it had been informed of accusations of misconduct.
The Academy has suspended his award and membership, and sought to clarify to members why it proceeded with plans to celebrate the actor at the recent film awards.
In a letter to its membership, Bafta said it was not aware of allegations relating to Clarke before announcing he would be given the award and it was in the days following the announcement in March that the body received anonymous emails of second or third-hand accounts.
The letter said: “We want to reassure you that we have treated this matter with the utmost seriousness, care and proper process at every stage.
“The Bafta board of trustees has remained right across this matter, has met a number of times and are fully supportive of all actions taken.
“The allegations against Mr Clarke are extremely serious and the behaviour they allege are contrary to Bafta’s values and everything it stands for.
“But no matter how abhorrent these allegations are, they cannot be dealt with without due process.
“Bafta is an arts charity that is not in a position to properly investigate such matters.”
The academy said the emails it received were “either anonymous or second or third-hand accounts via intermediaries”.
“No first-hand allegations were sent to us. No names, times, dates, productions or other details were ever provided.
“Had the victims gone on record as they have with The Guardian, the award would have been suspended immediately. Noel Clarke’s counsel received a legal notice to this effect.
“It was always very clear what our intentions would be.
“We asked for individuals to come forward with their accounts and identify themselves, as they have done with The Guardian, but due to the anonymous claims and the lack of first-hand specificity, we did not have sufficient grounds to take action.”
Bafta added it put in place an “independent, appropriately qualified person” with whom alleged victims could discuss the issues.
The letter concluded: “We very much regret that women felt unable to provide us with the kind of firsthand testimony that has now appeared in The Guardian.
“Had we been in receipt of this, we would never have presented the award to Noel Clarke.”