Micheal Ward arrived at Thames Magistrates’ Court today charged with rape and sexual assault.
The Top Boy actor, 27, looking straight-faced as he walked into court, dressed in a black shirt-coat, black trousers and sunglasses.
The Jamaican-born English actor and former model is best known for films Blue Story and The Old Guard and also starred as Jamie in Netflix’s hit show Top Boy.
In 2020, Ward was awarded the Bafta rising star award. He was then recognised again with a supporting actor nomination for his role in BBC’s Small Axe in 2021 and the 2022 film Empire of Light.
In July news came the Top Boy actor was accused of five offences – relating to one woman – which were all alleged to have taken place in January 2023.
The Metropolitan Police previously said Ward, of Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, was charged with two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
In a statement issued after the charges were announced, Ward said: ‘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.’
Also following the charges, Detective Superintendent Scott Ware added: ‘Our specialist officers continue to support the woman who has come forward—we know investigations of this nature can have significant impact on those who make reports.’
In the earlier days of his career, Ward appeared in music videos for artists such as Lily Allen and Tom Walker.
He also modelled as a teenager, having won the Face of JD Sports competition at 17 and been handpicked by the late Virgil Abloh to model for Louis Vuitton in August 2020.
Ward made his film debut in 2016’s Brotherhood before being cast in Empire of Light alongside Olivia Colman and Colin Firth, plus 2024 sports drama The Beautiful Game with Bill Nighy.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
