Top Boy actor Michael Ward has been acquitted of accusations of raping a woman. The 28-year-old BAFTA winner was alleged to have committed the assault in a car after meeting the woman outside a party.
During the trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Ward refuted the claims, stating that the encounter was consensual and that they were both enjoying themselves. The woman testified feeling “numb” and “scared,” expressing a desire for the ordeal to end, saying she felt like she had no choice.
Following a five-hour deliberation, the jury found Ward not guilty on two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault against the woman on January 2, 2023. Ward, visibly emotional, was relieved by the verdict as his family and friends in the gallery held back tears.
Raised in east London by his mother after his father’s early demise, Ward rose to fame with his role in the popular Top Boy series and won the prestigious Bafta rising star award in 2020. The court learned that Ward met the woman outside a party in east London, where they engaged in flirtation and intimacy.
Ward explained that their interactions were consensual, characterized by flirting and mutual attraction. He described the encounter as enjoyable and denied any coercion, emphasizing the woman’s active participation.
Despite the woman’s admission of finding Ward attractive and acknowledging the consensual nature of their first car encounter, the prosecution argued that Ward was determined to have sex with her that night. The woman’s friends testified that her behavior changed after the incident, and she ordered an STI kit during their drive home.
After being cleared of all charges, Ward expressed gratitude to the jury for their careful consideration of the evidence. His solicitor highlighted the toll the case had taken on Ward’s life and career, emphasizing the importance of addressing allegations of sexual violence seriously. Ward looks forward to returning to his work and moving forward with the support of his family and loved ones.