Bafta-winning actor Micheal Ward has been bailed after appearing in court charged with rape and sexual assault.
The 27-year-old, who has starred in Blue Story and Top Boy, is accused of two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault against one woman in January 2023, according to the charge sheet.
Ward appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Thursday where he spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth during a short hearing.
He did not enter any pleas and was granted conditional bail to next appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 25.
His condition is not to contact the alleged victim.
In a statement issued after the charges were announced last month, Ward said: “I deny the charges against me entirely,” and he added he had co-operated with police throughout their investigation.
The Jamaican-born actor was awarded the Bafta rising star honour in 2020 and was nominated for the best supporting actor Bafta for his role in BBC’s Small Axe in 2021 and the 2022 film Empire Of Light.
Ward played in the Soccer Aid match at Stamford Bridge last year and gave a reading at the Christmas Eve carol service hosted by the Princess of Wales in 2023.
He also stars in the American film Eddington alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal, which was released this month.
