Top Boy Actor Micheal Ward Charged with Rape and Sexual Assault
British actor Micheal Ward, known for his role as Jamie in the Netflix hit series Top Boy, has been charged with multiple sexual offences, including two counts of rape. The 27-year-old has also been charged with two counts of assault by penetration and one count of sexual assault, all relating to a single alleged victim. The offences are reported to have occurred in January 2023 . Ward, who lives in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, is scheduled to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on 28 August, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). In a statement released through his representatives, Ward denied the allegations, saying, “I recognise that proceedings are now ongoing, and I have full faith that they will lead to my name being cleared.” Catherine Baccas, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London South, emphasised the seriousness of the matter: “We remind all concerned that proceedings against the suspect are active and he has a right to a fair trial. It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.” Detective Superintendent Scott Ware, who is overseeing the Metropolitan Police investigation, stated that specialist officers continue to support the complainant. Ward rose to fame with critically acclaimed roles in Blue Story, The Old Guard, and Empire of Light. He was awarded the BAFTA Rising Star in 2020 and received Best Supporting Actor nominations for his performances in Small Axe (2021) and Empire of Light (2022). He is also set to appear in the upcoming American film Eddington, starring alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal, scheduled for release in the UK this August. Beyond acting, Ward has a significant public profile, with over a million followers on Instagram. He participated in last year’s Soccer Aid charity match and gave a reading at the Christmas Eve carol service hosted by the Princess of Wales in 2023.