Joe Clarke expresses ‘embarrassment and shame’ over WhatsApp messages
The Nottinghamshire batter Joe Clarke has spoken of his “embarrassment and shame” over his past involvement in a vulgar WhatsApp group with the convicted rapist Alex Hepburn.
In 2017, Clarke used the messaging app to engage in discussions of a degrading game of sexual conquests alongside his then Worcestershire teammates, Hepburn and Tom Kohler-Cadmore. Hepburn was sentenced to five years in jail after raping a woman who had earlier engaged in consensual sex with Clarke.
Clarke was not accused of any wrongdoing on the night in question, but recent talk of an England call-up has met with fierce criticism from those who feel his past sexist actions, and scarce public contrition, make him an unsuitable candidate for the national side.
Now, in a new interview with the Daily Telegraph (£), the 25-year-old has spoken about his past behaviour. “I have done a lot of reflecting. It is a feeling of embarrassment really. Regretful for being part of it,” he said.
“It is embarrassment and shame that I was involved in what was a terrible thing,” Clarke added. “It upsets me seeing it now, so I completely understand why people get upset looking at it. It was completely wrong.
“It is not something I have forgotten about at all. Although I’ve not talked about it publicly, I have had a lot of conversations in private with the club here and my family, with women that I am friends with. I’m happy I have the chance now [to] say how sorry I am for the involvement in all of it.”
Of the victim, who suffered posttraumatic stress disorder, he said: “I feel like I let her down. She was ultimately in my company and relied on me for her safety and I did not provide that. I feel like I let her down and I hope that she has found happiness that she deserves now and has managed to move on.”
In an impact statement delivered during Hepburn’s trial in 2019, the victims described her ordeal as “evil” and a “heinous crime”. She added: “I mourn who I used to be. I can’t remember the last time I went anywhere without creating mental escape plans, just in case.”
Clarke joined Nottinghamshire in 2019 and has played in the Hundred for Manchester Originals, in Australia’s Big Bash League for Melbourne Stars, and in the Pakistan Super League with Karachi Kings.
He appeared to move a step closer to England honours when the director of men’s cricket, Rob Key, suggested he would be considered for selection on his watch.
But Clarke added: “This is not about playing for England. This is about owning what I did, that I made a mistake and what I did was wrong.”