Twenty women accuse Doctor Who alum Noel Clarke of groping, bullying and sexual harassment

The Guardian

The British actor, who played Mickey Smith on Doctor Who from 2005 to 2010, was accused of harassment in wake of the BAFTAs honoring him for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award. The decision to honor Clarke prompted numerous women to come forward. "They allege Clarke is a serial abuser of women, using his power in the industry to prey on and harass female colleagues, and sometimes bully those who fall out of favour," reports The Guardian's Sirin Kale and Lucy Osborne. "The Guardian has spoken to 20 women, all of whom knew Clarke in a professional capacity. They variously accuse him of sexual harassment, unwanted touching or groping, sexually inappropriate behaviour and comments on set, professional misconduct, taking and sharing sexually explicit pictures and videos without consent, and bullying between 2004 and 2019." In a statement, Clarke denied the allegations: “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," he said. "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.” BAFTA confirmed in a statement that, following its 29 March announcement that it planned to give Clarke the award, it received “anonymous emails and reports of allegations via intermediaries, but no evidence was provided." After The Guardian's article was published, BAFTA updated its statement. “In light of the Guardian’s piece, which for Bafta provided for the first time detailed accounts outlining serious allegations regarding Noel Clarke’s conduct, we have immediately suspended the award and Noel Clarke’s membership of BAFTA until further notice.”