The Metropolitan Police have charged 27-year-old actor Michael Ward with two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault involving a single woman. The allegations relate to an incident said to have occurred in January 2023.
Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) deputy chief crown prosecutor Catherine Baccas confirmed that the CPS authorised the charges after reviewing a police evidence file. She reminded the public that Ward is entitled to a fair trial and cautioned against online commentary that could prejudice proceedings.
Ward, of Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, issued a statement through his representatives rejecting the allegations and expressing confidence that the court process “will clear [his] name.” Detectives say specialist officers continue to support the complainant.
The Spanish Town–born performer shot to prominence as Jamie in Netflix’s Top Boy (2019) and won the BAFTA Rising Star Award the following year. He has since appeared in Blue Story, Empire of Light and Steve McQueen’s Small Axe, earning a BAFTA TV nomination for supporting actor in 2021.
Ward is due to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on 28 August—six days after the scheduled premiere of his latest film, Eddington. Until then, the CPS stresses the importance of avoiding speculation that could compromise the judicial process.
