Noel Clarke: Report filed with Metropolitan Police after recent allegations
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A report relating to allegations of sexual offences by a man has been filed with London’s Metropolitan Police following the recent claims made against Noel Clarke.
Met Police confirmed to BBC News that they received a third party report on April 21 relating to allegations of sexual offenses by a man. Police have said they are assessing the information, but that an investigation is not currently underway.
A statement given by Met Police said: “On Wednesday, 21 April, police received a third party report relating to allegations of sexual offences allegedly committed by a male over a period of time.” At this time it is unclear who made the initial report to police and they have not confirmed the identity of the man against whom the report was made.
According to the BBC, a third party report is anonymous so the allegation cannot be investigated by the police. However, it can be used as intelligence, for example to see if it matches with other reports against the same person.
News of the report comes after a number of allegations of sexual harassment and bullying were made against the actor.
On Thursday (April 29), a report was published in The Guardian that saw 20 women accuse Clarke of a variety of wrongdoings – from alleged bullying to sexual harassment and unwanted sexual contact.
“I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or criminal wrongdoing,” Clarke said in a statement obtained by the BBC.
“Recent reports however have made it clear to me that some of my actions have affected people in ways I did not intend or realise.”
He added: “To those individuals, I am deeply sorry. I will be seeking professional help to educate myself and change for the better.”
Before the most recent statement, Clarke had denied all claims through his lawyers except for one, accepting that he once made inappropriate comments about one woman for which he later apologised.
In a 29-page letter sent to The Guardian, Clarke’s lawyers wrote that he categorically denies all allegations – from all 20 women – and in some cases questions their credibility. Clarke’s lawyers also deny that their client is a serial sexual predator.
Clarke, who has been suspended by BAFTA following the allegations, said in a statement to The Guardian: “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.”
Since the news broke, ITV have made the decision to pull the finale of Clarke’s new five-part drama Viewpoint in light of the allegations. It was due to air last night (April 30.) Fans of the show will be able to stream the final episode for a brief time on ITV Hub.
Sky has dropped Clarke, and has suspended production on the new season of his show Bulletproof until further notice.
“Sky stands against all forms of sexual harassment and bullying and takes any allegations of this nature extremely seriously,” the broadcaster said in a statement.
“Effective immediately, we have halted Noel Clarke’s involvement in any future Sky productions.”
