Open letter demanding change in entertainment industry signed by more than 800 people after Noel Clarke allegations

An open letter signed by more than 800 members of the UK entertainment industry has called for change after the allegations against Noel Clarke.

The Viewpoint and Doctor Who actor was accused of misconduct by 20 women, which he vehemently denied. He was later stripped of his Bafta membership.

Following the allegations, the letter, shared on social media, said that a culture of sexism and sexual harassment against women has become ‘normalised’ in the entertainment industry, and called for change.

It begins: ‘After reading the Noel Clarke allegations, many of us within the TV and film industry started sharing our own stories of sexual harassment and sexual abuse. His case is not a one-off and, shockingly, is not an extreme example. 

‘It has happened to so many of us that it seems normal.’

It goes on to detail the types of experiences women in the industry have been sharing, ‘from talking over us, to comments in the workplace on our appearance, to men discussing openly what they’d like to do to us, to relentless private messages, to groping, to intimidation and to sexual assault.’

The letter states that harassment and abuse is often dismissed as a ‘joke’.

‘How does a young, female runner take the ‘joke’ of being asked for a “gangbang” by her senior male producer in a room where she is the only woman?’ it asks.

‘How does she handle having a Twitter account set up in her name with inappropriate tweets sent to the presenters she is working with? How does a woman carry on trying to lead her team when she has been groped in front of them? How do you work with a male presenter after he puts his hands all over you?’

It states that there need to be more women in senior positions in TV and film, and that men need to call out unacceptable behaviour.

The letter adds that the problem intersects with issues of race, gender, sexuality and disability, pointing out that, as per a survey conducted in January, transgender, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and disabled people continue to be less well represented in senior roles.

It concludes by saying: ‘It is time to rethink the culture of TV and film. It is time to put an end to this culture that turns a blind eye to predators and harassers operating in plain sight.’

At the time of writing, more than 860 people have signed the open letter.

Clarke was accused of misconduct, including sexual harassment and bullying, by 20 women.

The Guardian claimed that Clarke categorically denied all of the allegations bar one through his lawyers, accepting he once made inappropriate comments about one woman, for which he later apologised. 

In a statement provided to the publication, he 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.’

Sky has paused all programming featuring the actor, including filming on the third series of Bulletproof, and ITV pulled the final episode of Viewpoint, which starred Clarke, from broadcast.

Actors including Ashley Walters, who stars with Clarke in Bulletproof, and I May Destroy You star Michaela Coel have supported the women who have spoken out.

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