Accused of sex harassment, Doctor Who’s ex-companion
Star suspended by Bafta after claims from 20 women
DOCTOR Who actor Noel Clarke was suspended by Bafta last night after 20 women accused him of unwanted sexual contact, harassment and bullying.
Clarke, 45, denied the allegations, which include sexual harassment, groping, sexually inappropriate behaviour and taking and sharing sexually explicit pictures and videos without consent.
The claims cover between 2004 to 2019. According to an investigation by The Guardian, Londoner Clarke knew all of the women in a professional capacity.
Last night the actor, who played sidekick Mickey Smith in Doctor Who from 2005 to 2010 and who denies wrongdoing, had his Bafta for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema suspended, less than three weeks after he had picked it up. In a 29-page letter to the Guardian, his lawyers said he categorically denied the claims from all 20 women. They denied their client was a sexual predator.
Clarke, who has three children with his wife Iris, a former makeup artist, 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.’
A spokesman for Bafta said: ‘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.’
Bafta was allegedly told about several of the allegations against Clarke 13 days before presenting his award on April 10. A spokesman confirmed Bafta received ‘anonymous emails and reports of allegations via intermediaries, but no evidence was provided’.
Clarke is also a film-maker. His trilogy of films Kidulthood (2006), Adulthood (2008) and Brotherhood (2016) was widely praised.
One woman, who worked as a producer alongside Clarke between 2014 and 2017, alleged that the actor had secretly filmed a naked audition of another women and bragged about it.
She also claimed Clarke exposed himself to her in a car before groping her in a lift the next day.
According to several accounts, Clarke showed colleagues sexually explicit photos and videos of women, or implied he had access to them. He was also accused of unsolicited sharing of sexually explicit images.
Other women have alleged that the actor would subject them to unwanted physical contact, which included kissing or groping.
Another, who as a teenager starred in Kidulthood, Clarke’s debut film, said one day near the start of filming he ‘put his tongue in my mouth’ and afterwards would constantly grab her and try to kiss her. It is alleged that when Clarke heard about a newspaper investigation into the allegations, he attempted to contact several of his accusers.
Despite the claims, ITV last night aired the penultimate episode of Viewpoint, in which Clarke plays the lead. Clarke’s agent and manager, both at 42M&P, said last night they no longer represent him.