British actor Micheal Ward, recognized for his performances in Netflix’s Top Boy and Steve McQueen’s Small Axe, has been acquitted of rape and sexual assault charges following a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London. The charges stemmed from an alleged incident involving a woman in January 2023, after they met at a New Year’s party. Ward denied all accusations, telling the court, “Everything we did was wholly consensual,” and a jury delivered the not-guilty verdict on Friday.
The formal charges were filed in July 2025. Under UK law, being charged signifies official accusation but does not imply guilt. In a post-charge statement, Ward emphasized his cooperation with authorities, stating, “I recognize that proceedings are now ongoing, and I have full faith they will lead to my name being cleared. Given those proceedings, I am unable to comment further.” He was released on bail in August 2025.
Ward gained prominence for his role as Jamie in Top Boy alongside Kano and Ashley Walters. His filmography includes Blue Story, The Old Guard, and Empire of Light. In 2020, he won BAFTA’s EE Rising Star Award. His latest project, Ari Aster’s Eddington, premiered at Cannes Film Festival in 2024. Following the allegations, UK talent agency Olivia Bell Management dropped him as a client, though he remains represented by CAA in the U.S.
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