‘Bulletproof’ Actor Noel Clarke Misconduct Allegations: Sky halts work
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Managed by Comcast After The Guardian published explosive allegations about British actor Noel Clarke, Sky has suspended all work with him on Season 4 of the police drama Bulletproof and other projects.
“Sky opposes all types of sexual assault and bullying and takes any accusations of this sort very seriously,” a Sky spokesman said. Noel Clarke's participation in any potential Sky productions has been suspended, effective immediately.”
Vertigo Films, the UK production company behind the show, has also launched an investigation into Clarke's actions on Bulletproof, though Sky and Vertigo have not been made aware of any improper behavior.
“We are saddened to hear about these claims and have opened an immediate inquiry to see if any relate to any Vertigo Films productions,” a Vertigo spokeswoman said. Our first concern is for any members of the cast or crew who might have had a bad experience on set.
On Thursday night, The Guardian released a bombshell of an article about Clarke, in which 20 people accused the Bulletproof and Adulthood star of sexual assault. The widely publicized investigation includes allegations of sexual assault, inappropriate contact, taking and posting sexually explicit photos and videos, and intimidation, some of which were made by women on the record.
Clarke categorically disputes the charges, and his attorneys gave The Guardian a 29-page letter rebutting all but one of them, in which he confessed to making "numerous" remarks about Helen Atherton's buttocks.
“If anyone who has interacted with me has ever felt awkward or disrespected, I sincerely apologize,” he told the newspaper. I categorically deny any sexual misconduct or negligence, and I promise to vigorously defend myself against these baseless accusations.”
Despite the fact that Clarke's work with Sky has been halted, Deadline understands that the broadcaster is looking for ways to make Season 4 of Bulletproof without him. It's still early, and it's unlikely to be fast, considering how critical Clarke's friendship with Ashley Walters is to the show's success.
Sky isn't the only UK broadcaster debating whether or not to commission a Clarke series. ITV is currently debating whether or not to air the final episode of Clarke's five-part crime drama Viewpoint, which premieres tonight. ITV has been contacted by Deadline for comment.
Viewpoint's producer, Banijay-owned Tiger Aspect, was not made aware of any allegations of wrongdoing during Clarke's time filming the surveillance sequence, according to Deadline.
