Entertainment

Police receive report of sex offences following allegations against Noel Clarke

The actor has said he ‘vehemently’ denies allegations of sexual misconduct or criminal behaviour.
The actor has said he ‘vehemently’ denies allegations of sexual misconduct or criminal behaviour. The actor has said he ‘vehemently’ denies allegations of sexual misconduct or criminal behaviour.

The Metropolitan Police say they are assessing a third party report relating to claims of sexual offences committed by a male, after allegations were made against actor Noel Clarke.

Earlier this week, The Guardian published allegations of misconduct from 20 women who knew Clarke in a professional capacity.

Clarke has previously said he “vehemently” denies allegations of sexual misconduct or criminal behaviour but said he will be seeking professional help and has apologised “deeply” for his actions.

The Nespresso Nominees Party for the BAFTA Film Awards Arrivals – London
The Nespresso Nominees Party for the BAFTA Film Awards Arrivals – London (Ian West/PA)

In a statement, the police said no investigation is currently taking place.

A Metropolitan Police statement said on Saturday: “On Wednesday April 21, police received a third party report relating to allegations of sexual offences allegedly committed by a male over a period of time.

“Officers are currently assessing the information. There is no investigation at this time.”

The London School of Dramatic Acting (LSDA) also said in a statement on Friday night that Clarke was prevented from taking unsupervised sessions after he hosted an acting class where students were allegedly asked to undress as if they were getting ready to go to bed.

The school said it stopped scheduling Clarke to take unsupervised sessions after being informed about the claims.

Clarke denied the LDSA allegations through his lawyers.

On Friday evening, ITV pulled the concluding episode of drama Viewpoint, which starred the 45-year-old.

BAFTA Film Awards 2017 – After Party – London
BAFTA Film Awards 2017 – After Party – London (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Broadcaster Sky, which has aired three series of Clarke’s series Bulletproof, has said it is halting work with Clarke following the accusations.

Bafta has also suspended Clarke’s membership of the organisation and his outstanding British contribution to cinema award, which he was handed last month at the film academy’s awards.

Following the allegations he has also been suspended from Unstoppable Film and Television, a production company he co-founded in 2007, according to a statement from a spokesman for parent company All3Media.

Tower block fire in London
Tower block fire in London (Isabel Infantes/PA)

In a statement to the PA news agency on Friday, Clarke said: “I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or criminal wrongdoing.

“Recent reports however have made it clear to me that some of my actions have affected people in ways I did not intend or realise.

“To those individuals, I am deeply sorry. I will be seeking professional help to educate myself and change for the better.”