Entertainment
Bulletproof’s Ashley Walters breaks silence on Noel Clarke allegations: ‘I can’t ignore them’
Ashley Walters has shared his ‘shock and sadness’ at allegations raised against Bulletproof co-star Noel Clarke.
In a report published by Guardian on Thursday, 20 women accused Clarke of harassment, sexual misconduct and bullying, which the actor has denied.
Following the allegations, Bafta and the British Urban Film Festival stripped Clarke of recent awards pending investigations into the allegations, while Sky – which produces Bulletproof – confirmed it was suspending filming on all Noel Clarke productions.
In a statement shared on Twitter, his co-star Ashley said he would ‘never condone behaviour of this nature’ and insisted he can’t ignore the allegations despite being friends with Clarke.
He wrote: ‘My thoughts are with the women who have come forward and told their awful stories.
‘I am in shock and deeply saddened by what I have heard on a multitude of levels.
‘I could never condone behaviour of this nature neither in nor out of the workplace, and whilst Noel has been a friend and colleague for several years, I cannot stand by and ignore these allegations.
‘Sexual harassment, abuse and bullying have no place in our industry.’
The statement concluded: ‘Every woman has the right to a safe workplace and moving forward I pledge my dedication to this.’
Ashley’s statement followed that from Michaela Coel, who offered solidarity with the women who came forward.
Comedian London Hughes also shared the article and wrote that she was ‘sickened’ by the claims, adding: ‘Believe women.’
An investigation published by The Guardian on Thursday featured claims from 20 women, some named and some remaining anonymous, that Kidulthood director and writer Clarke harassed, groped and bullied them.
Clarke denies all the allegations bar one, accepting he once made inappropriate comments about one women, for which he later apologised.
The 45-year-old said: ‘In a 20-year career, I have put inclusivity and diversity at the forefront of my work and never had a complaint made against me. If anyone who has worked with me has ever felt uncomfortable or disrespected, I sincerely apologise.
‘I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing and intend to defend myself against these false allegations.’
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