Offence claims after TV star allegations
POLICE have received a “thirdparty report” of sexual offences, following accusations actor and director Noel Clarke was guilty of verbal abuse, bullying and harassment by 20 women.
The Metropolitan Police said detectives were “assessing the information” and urged anyone who believed they were a victim of a sexual offence to come forward. The force said no investigation has been started.
In a statement, the Met Police said: “On Wednesday 21 April police received a third-party report relating to allegations of sexual offences committed by a male over a period of time.
“We would urge anyone who believes they have been subjected to a sexual offence to report this to police so the information can be assessed and investigated accordingly.
“There are specially trained officers ready to provide advice and support.”
Clarke has “vehemently denied” any sexual misconduct.
The appeal follows 20 women who say they broke their silence after the Kidulthood and Doctor Who actor, 45, was presented with one of Bafta’s highest honours, the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award at the Royal Albert Hall on April 10.
The Guardian newspaper published their account on Thursday, in which Clarke was accused of being a serial abuser of women who used his power in the industry to prey on them.
Among the allegations levelled against him were unwanted touching or groping, sexually inappropriate behaviour and comments on set, secretly filming naked auditions and showing colleagues sexually explicit photos and videos of women.
The alleged offences took place between 2004 and 2019. Fatherof-three
Clarke, married to makeup artist Iris Da Silva, said the claims had “made it clear to me that some of my actions have affected people in ways I did not intend or realise”.
He added: “To those individuals, I am deeply sorry. I will be seeking professional help to educate myself and change for the better. I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or criminal wrongdoing.”
Clarke has been suspended from Bafta following the allegations, while Sky halted filming of the latest series of the crime drama Bulletproof he co-created with Ashley Walters.
Mr Walters said: “Sexual harassment, abuse, and bullying have no place in our industry. Every woman has the right to a safe workplace and moving forward I pledge my dedication to this.”
ITV pulled the last episode of Clarke’s drama Viewpoint on Friday, saying it was no longer appropriate to air it. His production company, Unstoppable Film & Television, has made several films, including Bulletproof and Channel 5 drama The Drowning.