Noel Clarke suspended by BAFTA after sexual misconduct, bullying allegations

Associated Press Published 11:07 p.m. ET April 29, 2021 | Updated 11:08 p.m. ET April 29, 2021

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LONDON — Britain’s motion picture academy on Thursday suspended actor-director Noel Clarke after a newspaper reported that multiple women had accused him of sexual harassment or bullying.

The film and television academy said it was also suspending Clarke’s award for outstanding British contribution to cinema, given to him earlier this month at a ceremony in London.

It said in light of the allegations reported by 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 Guardian reported that it had spoken to 20 women who accused Clarke of misconduct including sexual harassment, unwanted touching, sexually inappropriate behavior on set and bullying. It named several of the women.

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Britain’s motion picture academy on Thursday suspended actor-director Noel Clarke after a newspaper reported that multiple women had accused him of sexual harassment or bullying.

 (Photo: Joel Ryan, AP)

Clarke, 45, who starred in “Doctor Who” and created the film trilogy “Kidulthood,” “Adulthood” and “Brotherhood,” strongly denied all the claims.

“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,” he said in a statement. “If anyone who has worked with me has ever felt uncomfortable or disrespected, I sincerely apologize. I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing and intend to defend myself against these false allegations.”

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 ​​Among the allegations is the claim that Clarke secretly recorded actresses during auditions that involved nudity. 

Gina Powell, whom The Guardian says worked for Clarke as a producer, told the outlet he once showed her secretly recorded video of one of these auditions featuring actress Jahannah James.

“I was told 100% it was not going to be on camera,” James told The Guardian. “Now, years later, I still cry when I talk about it.”

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