Noel Clarke has Bafta membership suspended following sexual assault accusations

Bafta has suspended Noel Clarke’s membership and his recent award after allegations of assault and bullying from 20 women have emerged against him.

The Guardian has published a series of shocking claims from women who worked with Clarke in a professional capacity, accusing the actor-producer of harassment, groping and bullying.

In a statement on its website, Bafta said: “In light of the allegations of serious misconduct regarding Noel Clarke in The Guardian, BAFTA has taken the decision to suspend his membership and the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award immediately and until further notice.”

Sky TV has now halted its work with Clarke following the allegations.

Many industry figures have shared The Guardian‘s piece, including Michaela Coel who put out her own statement praising the bravery of the women who have come forward. “Speaking out about these incidents takes a lot of strength because some call them ‘grey areas’. They are however far from grey,” she wrote.

The Kidulthood, Adulthood and Brotherhood writer and actor said he “vehemently” denies “any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing”.

In a statement published in The Guardian, Clarke said he intended to “defend myself against these false allegations”, adding: “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.”

Victims of sexual assault can access help via Women’s Aid, Victim Support, The Survivors Trust or Survivors UK (for male victims of sexual assault). The 24-hour freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, can be contacted on 0808 2000 247 and the Rape Crisis national freephone helpline is 0808 802 9999 (12-2.30pm and 7-9.30pm every day of the year).