‘What an insult!’ Women’s anger at C4 documentary on Noel Clarke
CHANNEL 4 is facing the wrath of female stars and staff for giving the actor Noel Clarke airtime to plead his innocence over groping claims by 20 women.
Employees at the network fear a Channel 4 documentary with the former Doctor Who star will allow him to seek sympathy and question why the public turned against him after the allegations.
Women working across the entertainment industry are also incensed, with one well-known female star describing the planned show as ‘an insult to every woman treated so appallingly by this man’.
The documentary, called The Cancelling Of Noel Clarke, has already started filming, with Channel 4 sources claiming it is being hailed internally as a ‘scoop’. It is understood he could be given a producer credit and may have a financial stake in the controversial project.
The actor made his name writing, directing and starring in the
Kidulthood, Adulthood and Brotherhood films.
Clarke, 46, is also believed to have sought the advice of an expert in reputational damage in an effort to navigate a successful comeback to the entertainment world.
Staff at the publicly owned broadcaster are alarmed at the decision to work with Clarke, particularly since Channel 4 is led by a woman, chief executive Alex Mahon.
One well-known actress said: ‘The premise of the show seems to be winning back sympathy for Noel, as though he is some kind of victim. In my view it is an insult to every single female treated so appallingly by this man.’
Clarke’s career was derailed last April when 20 women who knew him in a professional capacity made sexual harassment and bullying
allegations in The Guardian newspaper. Some later went to police to report incidents.
The married father-of-three, whose Bulletproof police series was cancelled by Sky One last year, has denied sexual misconduct or criminal behaviour, but apologised for his actions and said he would seek professional help.
In a statement at the time, he 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.’
Channel 4 said last night: ‘[The documentary] is in the early stages of development and as part of this process, the production company has started approaching a number of potential participants.’