Top Boy Actor Micheal Ward Denies Rape Charges in London Trial
British actor Micheal Ward, 28, testified at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday that a sexual encounter with a woman in January 2023 was consensual, denying two counts of rape and three of sexual assault. Ward, known for Top Boy and Blue Story, said they met at a nightclub in east London on 2 January 2023, shared flirty conversation and passionate kisses, and that she was an active participant. The woman, who cannot be named, previously testified she did not consent and felt she had to leave. Ward claimed she never mentioned wanting to leave and they exchanged messages afterward. The trial continues.
Key facts
- Micheal Ward is accused of raping a woman after meeting her at a nightclub in east London on 2 January 2023.
- He denies two charges of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
- Ward testified at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London on Monday.
- The woman broke down in court last week, saying she did not understand the situation.
- Ward said the encounter was wholly consensual and she was an active participant.
- The alleged incident occurred during a New Year party Ward was hosting in Gants Hill, east London.
- The woman ordered an STI kit on the way home and indicated she had been sexually assaulted.
- Ward won the Bafta Rising Star Award in 2020 and was nominated for roles in Small Axe and Empire of Light.
Entities
Artists
- Micheal Ward
- Michael Ward
Institutions
- Snaresbrook Crown Court
- Netflix
- BBC
- Bafta
Locations
- London
- east London
- Gants Hill
- United Kingdom
- north-east London
Sources
- BBC Culture —
- BBC Culture —
- BBC Culture —
- BBC Culture —