Actor Micheal Ward Charged with Rape and Sexual Assault
Micheal Ward, the BAFTA Rising Star winner known for his work in Top Boy, Blue Story, and Small Axe, has been formally charged with multiple sexual offences, the Metropolitan Police confirmed.
Ward, 27, of Cheshunt in Hertfordshire, faces two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault. The alleged offences involve one woman and are reported to have taken place in January 2023.
In a statement, Micheal Ward said:
“I deny the charges against me entirely. I have fully cooperated with the police throughout their investigation and have complete faith that the legal process will ultimately clear my name.”
He is scheduled to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court in London on 28 August.
Detective Superintendent Scott Ware of the Metropolitan Police stated:
“Our specialist officers continue to support the woman who has come forward. We recognise that investigations of this nature can have a significant impact on those who report such offences.”
The charges follow a review of evidence by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Catherine Baccas, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London South, said:
“After careful consideration of the evidence provided by the Metropolitan Police, the CPS has authorised charges against Micheal Ward. These include two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault.”
She added:
“We remind everyone that criminal proceedings are now active. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial, and it is essential that there is no public reporting or online commentary that could prejudice the legal process.”
Career Background
Jamaican-born Micheal Ward rose to prominence with his breakout role in the 2019 film Blue Story. He went on to portray Jamie in Netflix’s acclaimed series Top Boy between 2019 and 2022. In 2020, he received the BAFTA Rising Star Award, and in 2021, he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the BAFTA TV Awards for his performance in Steve McQueen’s anthology Small Axe.
Ward also starred in the 2022 Sam Mendes-directed film Empire of Light and will appear in the upcoming U.S. pandemic-era Western Eddington, set for UK release on 22 August.