Bafta honoured Clarke despite knowing about multiple abuse allegations
BAFTA has admitted that it honoured Noel Clarke, the actor and film-maker, with an outstanding contribution award despite receiving multiple allegations that he had abused and sexually harassed women.
The organisation last night sus- pended Clarke’s award and membership of Bafta after the allegations were made public. He denies the allegations.
The actor, currently starring in the ITV drama Viewpoint, received the award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema at the ceremony last month.
Marc Samuelson, the chairman of Bafta’s film committee, had called Clarke an “inspiration” for championing diverse voices in the industry, and concluded: “I cannot think of a more deserving recipient for this year’s award.”
However, it emerged last night that Bafta was informed 13 days before the ceremony that Clarke had been accused by several women of sexual harassment, bullying and verbal abuse.
Bafta confirmed that it had received “anonymous emails and reports of allegations via intermediaries” following its announcement on March 29 that Clarke would be receiving the award. But it pressed ahead with honouring him at the ceremony on April 10 because “no evidence was provided” to support the claims.
After the story was published last night, Bafta said: “[We have] taken the decision to suspend his membership and the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award immediately and until further notice.”
An investigation by The Guardian included allegations that Clarke, 45, secretly filmed a naked audition and showed colleagues sexually explicit images and videos of women.
The newspaper spoke to 20 women who made allegations against Clarke, spanning a 15-year period, and said some broke their silence because they were appalled by Bafta’s decision to venerate him. Clarke categorically denied every allegation to The Guardian bar one, accepting that he had made inappropriate comments to one woman for which he later apologised.
He said in a statement: “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.”