British actor Noel Clarke has been accused of sexual harassment and bullying by 20 women in a new report. Clarke is perhaps best known for his role as companion Mickey Smith on Doctor Who, a role he mainly held throughout 2005 and 2006 (save for some additional appearances years later). He's also known for his work as an actor, writer, and director on the films Kidulthood, Adulthood, and Brotherhood. Most recently, Clarke starred in the movie SAS: Red Notice, and he can be seen on the ongoing ITV miniseries Viewpoint.
In recent years, the entertainment industry has begun taking a stand against abusers who have run virtually unchecked for years. The reckoning first began in 2017 with Harvey Weinstein. The past year alone has seen Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon get called out for his toxic behavior on various sets, and prolific film and theater producer Scott Rudin was the subject of a searing expose just weeks ago. Though it is clear there is still a lot of work to do, there are many who hope this trend will continue with an eye on fostering a better future.
On Thursday, The Guardian posted a lengthy report wherein 20 women came forward with allegations of harassment and bullying against Clarke. It's said they were spurred forward by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts giving Clarke an award on April 10 for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema. At the time of the organization giving him the award, BAFTA was aware of the various allegations and chose to move forward regardless. After The Guardian's story went live, BAFTA released this statement:
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.
Additionally, Clarke defended himself in his own 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.”
The accusations from the women, which can be read in full in the story, recount several instances where Clarke inappropriately touched female colleagues and withheld images of them in various states of undress without their consent. A woman going by the name of Leila for the sake of anonymity declared Clarke to be a "bully as well as a sexual predator." This extends to the productions where Clarke served as writer or director, as he would frequently put in explicit sex scenes that made the actresses on set deeply uncomfortable. When Clarke began to hear of the surfacing allegations weeks ago (as in, when they were reported to BAFTA), he attempted to uncover the women responsible.
BAFTA's condemnation of Clarke both feels like an appropriate step and one that came far too late. The organization was made aware of these accusations, yet still presented him with the award. It's a sad example of how there are still those who will protect known abusers. Hopefully, the 20 women who came forward about Clarke can gain some closure for this. They are incredibly brave for speaking their truths, and they are helping create a better future for others.
Source: The Guardian, BAFTA
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