Top Boy actor charged with rape

Ian YoungsCulture reporterReutersBafta-winning actor Micheal Ward, recognized for roles in exhibits and movies together with Prime Boy, Small Axe and Blue Story, has been charged with rape.Mr Ward, 27, of Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, is charged with two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault, the Metropolitan Police stated.The alleged offences relate to 1 lady and are reported to have taken place in January 2023, in response to the drive.The actor made his identify as one of many stars of cult hit Blue Story in 2019, and gained the Rising Star prize on the Bafta Movie Awards the next yr.He performed Jamie in Netflix hit Prime Boy from 2019 to 22, and was nominated for greatest supporting actor on the Bafta TV Awards for Small Axe in 2021.The Jamaican-born actor additionally starred in acclaimed 2022 drama Empire of Gentle, and shall be seen in forthcoming US pandemic-era Western film Eddington, which is because of be launched within the UK on 22 August.Mr Ward is because of seem at Thames Magistrates’ Court docket in London on 28 August.The Met’s Det Supt Scott Ware stated: “Our specialist officers proceed to help the lady who has come ahead – we all know investigations of this nature can have important impression on those that make studies.”Catherine Baccas, deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS London South, stated: “Having fastidiously reviewed a file of proof, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police to cost Micheal Ward, 27, with two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one rely of sexual assault towards a girl in January 2023.”She added: “We remind all involved that proceedings towards the suspect are lively and he has a proper to a good trial.”It’s important that there ought to be no reporting, commentary or sharing of data on-line which might in anyway prejudice these proceedings.”