Award-winning British actor Michael Ward, best known for his role in Netflix’s Top Boy, appeared in a London court on Thursday to face rape and sexual assault charges.
Ward, 27, who also stars in the upcoming Hollywood film Eddington alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal, was charged last month with five offences. They include two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault against a woman in January 2023.
Appearing before Thames Magistrates’ Court in east London, Ward confirmed his name, address and date of birth. He did not enter a plea and was granted conditional bail on the condition that he does not contact the alleged victim. His next hearing is scheduled for 25 September at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
Ward previously denied the allegations in a July statement, insisting he had fully cooperated with police and rejected the charges “entirely”.
The actor, who won the BAFTA Rising Star award in 2020, has received critical acclaim for his performances in Small Axe and Empire of Light. He starred in Top Boy between 2019 and 2023.