Entertainment
Michaela Coel shows solidarity with Noel Clarke’s accusers in statement: ‘I stand with them in their indignation’
Michaela Coel has commended the 20 women who have accused Noel Clarke of harassment and sexual misconduct.
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 has vehemently denied the allegations.
I May Destroy You creator and star Coel retweeted the Guardian’s article, and on Friday morning, she issued a statement showing solidarity with the accusers.
The 33-year-old wrote: ‘I am here to offer great support for the 20 brave women who have come forward; those who have shared their identities with us, but also those who have preferred to use an alias; the mental hurdles a black woman must overcome to do such a thing as reveal their identity within a narrative of rape abuse or bullying at the hands of someone within our community can sometimes be too much.’
There were no allegations of rape made against Clarke.
Coel continued: ‘Speaking out about these incidents takes a lot of strength because some call them “grey areas”. They are however far from grey.’
She went on to call Clarke’s alleged behaviours ‘unprofessional, violent and can destroy a person’s perception of themselves, their place in the world and their careers irreparably’, and said: ‘I have shared to show solidarity, to express my belief in them and to stand with them in their indignation.
‘I applaud the Guardian and its journalists for investigating and publishing this story.’
Comedian London Hughes also shared the article and wrote that she was ‘sickened’ by the claims, adding: ‘Believe women.’
In the wake of the allegations against Clarke, Bafta has suspended his membership, just weeks after awarding him with the outstanding British contribution to cinema award.
A statement read: ‘In light of the allegations of serious misconduct regarding Noel Clarke in The Guardian, Bafta has taken the decision to suspend his membership and the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award immediately and until further notice.’
The suspension came after 20 women accused the actor of various incidents of misconduct in a professional capacity between 2004 and 2019.
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.’
Clarke currently stars in the ITV drama Viewpoint, the finale of which is set to air tonight.
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