Actor Michael Ward, best known for his role in the hit Netflix series Top Boy, has been charged with multiple sexual offences.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the 27-year-old faces two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault stemming from alleged incidents involving a woman in January 2023, according to BBC.
Ward, a BAFTA-winning actor, has strongly denied the allegations, insisting he has cooperated fully with investigators.
“I deny the charges against me entirely,” he said, adding that he hopes the justice system will clear his name and protect his reputation.
Ward was due to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court in London on August 28, though no details of the initial proceedings have been released.
Detective Superintendent Scott Ware of the Metropolitan Police said specialist officers were supporting the complainant.
“We know investigations of this nature can have a significant impact on those who make reports,” he noted.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it had carefully reviewed the evidence before authorizing charges.
“Having carefully reviewed a file of evidence, the CPS has authorized the Metropolitan Police to charge Michael Ward with these offences,” said Catherine Baccas, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London South.
She emphasized the importance of avoiding prejudicial reporting: “We remind all concerned that proceedings against the suspect are active and he has a right to a fair trial.”
Ward first rose to prominence with his breakout role in the British film Blue Story (2019). He went on to star as Jamie in Top Boy (2019–2022), a performance that brought him international recognition.
His career highlights include winning the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2020, a BAFTA TV nomination for Small Axe in 2021, and appearances in Empire of Light (2022). He was also set to star in the upcoming Western film Eddington.