‘Top Boy’ star Micheal Ward has been cleared of charges related to rape and sexual assault

A London jury has found BAFTA-winning actor and ‘Top Boy’ star Micheal Ward not guilty of all charges related to rape and sexual assault following a high-profile trial.

British actor Michael Ward has been acquitted of charges related to the rape and sexual assault of a woman who claimed he attacked her in the back of a car following their meeting at a London nightclub.

A jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday found the 28-year-old actor not guilty of two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault after a trial that featured starkly opposing narratives from both the prosecution and the defense regarding the events of 2 January 2023.

Ward, recognized for his portrayal of Jamie in Netflix’s Top Boy and the film Blue Story, consistently asserted during the case that the sexual encounter was consensual.

The actor addressed the jurors. “All of our actions were entirely agreed upon by everyone involved.”

During the trial, Ward testified that he thought the couple was enjoying each other’s company after they met at an East London nightclub. He mentioned that they later moved to a car, where the flirting persisted.

He expressed to the court that he found the woman quite charming upon their initial meeting and felt there was a shared attraction. Ward stated that she voluntarily entered the vehicle and maintained a positive demeanor during their interaction.

“The flirting persisted,” he informed the jury. She was mirroring the energy. She drew me nearer. That was a welcoming gesture, and we were both relishing that moment.

Ward stated that the woman “never indicated any desire to leave,” portraying her afterwards as completely fine and noting that they had a pleasant and engaging general conversation.

The court heard that the two later exchanged text messages, with Ward sending a smiling emoji accompanied by a heart, while the woman responded by wishing him an enjoyable rest of his evening.

During the trial, the complainant provided a starkly different narrative, becoming emotional as she firmly dismissed the notion that the encounter had been consensual.

She addressed the court. “I would never have gotten into that car with him had I known what was going to happen.”

Dismissing the defense’s narrative, she stated. “Micheal assaulted me.”

The woman informed the jurors that she “completely shut down” during the alleged attack and stated that while she did not verbally express “no,” she emphasized that she repeatedly told Ward she needed to leave.

Her evidence indicates that she requested to leave “on multiple occasions” before subsequently ordering a sexually transmitted infection testing kit on her way home, suggesting that she had been sexually assaulted.

The jury was informed that upon his arrest on 18 January 2023, Ward denied the allegation in a prepared police statement.

He informed the officers. “I refute the accusation of rape.” I would like to formally state that we engaged in consensual foreplay and consensual sex.

After the verdict, Ward’s solicitor, Humzah Ilyas, stated that the case had greatly affected the actor’s personal and professional life.

“Three and a half years have passed since the police began their investigation into this matter, during which Micheal’s life and successful career have been placed on hold.” The case has, without a doubt, had a significant effect on him and those nearest to him. 

He expressed that Ward was thankful the legal process had come to an end and planned to resume acting. Michael is grateful that this process has finally come to an end. He eagerly anticipates returning to the work he is passionate about and concentrating on what lies ahead.

The solicitor also mentioned that Ward aimed to acknowledge victims of sexual violence. As he begins to reconstruct his life, Micheal wishes to recognize those who have faced sexual violence and abuse. They should be listened to, treated with kindness, and have their claims regarded with the seriousness they warrant.

Ward, the recipient of the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2020, later garnered additional nominations for Small Axe and Empire of Light and expressed gratitude to his supporters. Micheal expresses his gratitude to God and his family. He is deeply grateful to all those who supported him. Their support, prayers, and love provided him with strength,” the statement conveyed.