Noel Clarke's female co-star claims the actor's behaviour is the 'UK film industry's best kept secret'

The actor has been accused of sexual harassment

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Noel Clarke attends the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)
(Image credit: Ian Gavan/Getty Images))

One of Noel Clarke's recent co-stars has claimed that the film industry has been turning a blind eye to the actor's behavior 'for years' - after he was accused of sexual harassment. 

The 45-year-old actor was the subject of a Guardian article on Thursday night with 20 women coming forward with claims of groping, harassment and bullying.

Now, one of his female co-stars in Sky's Bulletproof has said that Clarke's behavior has been the 'UK film industry's best kept secret for years'  

Chrissy Chong posted the Guardian article on Twitter and said: "If in doubt, trust me, it's true. Why would 20 women put themselves through reliving their traumas to bring down an actor who isn't even a household name? He's a sexual predator #stoppable."

While co-star and actor Mandeep Dhillon added, "About f****** time. Don't @ me."

Both actresses also posted identical messages to their Twitter which said, "We stand by the women sexually harassed by Noel Clarke #stoppable #timesup #metoo." 

Last night, in light of the allegations against the actor, ITV confirmed that the last episode of the six-part police drama Viewpoint, in which he starred and was scheduled to hit screens at 9pm, had been pulled from their Friday evening listings. 

"ITV has a zero-tolerance policy to bullying, harassment, and victimization and robust procedures in place to investigate and deal with any complaints. We strongly believe that everyone deserves to work in a supportive and safe environment," ITV's statement read. 

"In light of the very serious nature of the allegations against Noel Clarke raised by 20 women in the Guardian’s report, ITV has decided it is no longer appropriate to broadcast the final episode of the drama Viewpoint on ITV main channel this evening."

Clarke has denied the allegations and released a statement yesterday which said: "In a 20-year career, I have put inclusivity and diversity at the forefront of my work and never had a complaint made against me."

"If anyone who has worked with me has ever felt uncomfortable or disrespected, I sincerely apologize. I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing and intend to defend myself against these false allegations." 

Sarah Finley

Sarah is a freelance journalist - writing about the royals and celebrities for Woman & Home, fitness and beauty for the Evening Standard and how the world of work has changed due to the pandemic for the BBC. 

 

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