BAFTA winning actor Michael Ward has appeared in court on charges of rape and sexual assault, with a judge granting him conditional bail.
The actor, who played Jamie in the series Top Boy, appeared at Thames magistrates court on Thursday (August 28), charged with two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The charges relate to one woman, and are alleged to have taken place in January 2023.
Ward spoke to confirm his name, address, and date of birth, and did not enter any plea in relation to the charges. He was granted conditional bail, and is due to appear at Snaresbrook crown court on September 25.
Ward released a statement last month, saying: “I deny the charges against me entirely. I have cooperated fully with the police throughout their investigation and will continue to cooperate.”
He continued: “I recognise that proceedings are now ongoing, and I have full faith that they will lead to my name being cleared. Given those proceedings, I am unable to comment further.”
Since debuting in 2016 drama Brotherhood, Ward has made his name in numerous British and American productions. In 2019, he won BAFTA’s Rising Star Award, following his performance in British movie Blue Story, playing one of two childhood friends whose bond is challenged by local rivalries.
He received critical acclaim and a Best Supporting Actor BAFTA nomination for his starring role in Steve McQueen’s 2020 anthology Small Axe, appearing in the film Lovers Rock as Franklyn, who develops a romance with Martha (Amarah-Jae St. Aubyn) after meeting at a party.
He would also work with director Sam Mendes on the film Empire Of Light, playing a cinema employee at a local cinema who forms a connection with a colleague, played by Olivia Colman. He would receive his second BAFTA nomination for the performance.
Mostly recently, he appeared in Ari Aster’s Eddington, as the deputy to the titular town’s sheriff, played by Joaquin Phoenix. The film is currently in cinemas.
