BAFTA suspends British actor Noel Clarke amid sexual assault and harassment allegations

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has suspended British actor and filmmaker Noel Clarke after a new report detailed allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault and bullying from over 20 women. Clarke, 45, has denied all of the allegations of sexual misconduct.

The British newspaper the Guardian published a report detailing allegations from 20 women who had professional relationships with Clarke. They reportedly accused Clarke of forced kissing, groping, professional misconduct, sexual harassment through unsolicited lewd messages, bullying and secretly filming naked auditions from 2004 to 2019. In a statement to the Guardian, 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," Clarke 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."