Top Boy actor Micheal Ward to apply to have rape charges dismissed
Bafta-winning actor Micheal Ward is charged with two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault against one woman
Actor Micheal Ward’s lawyer will apply to have sexual allegations against him dismissed, a court has heard.
The 27-year-old, who starred in Blue Story and Top Boy, was charged with two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault against one woman in January 2023.
He appeared in person at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday for what was initially listed as a plea and trial preparation, but his lawyer instead requested a dismissal hearing.
The next hearing is listed for December 5 and Ward was bailed under condition he does not contact the alleged victim.
He was bailed in August after appearing in court charged with rape and sexual assault. Ward appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on August 28 where he spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth during a short hearing.
He did not enter any pleas and was granted conditional bail to next appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 25. His condition is not to contact the alleged victim.
In a statement issued after the charges were announced last month, Ward said, "I deny the charges against me entirely," and he added that he had cooperated with police throughout their investigation.
The Jamaican-born actor was awarded the Bafta Rising Star honour in 2020 and was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Bafta for his role in the BBC ’s Small Axe in 2021 and the 2022 film Empire of Light.
Ward played in the Soccer Aid match at Stamford Bridge last year and gave a reading at the Christmas Eve carol service hosted by the Princess of Wales in 2023.
He also stars in the American film Eddington alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal, which was released this month.
* If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999