'deeply saddened'
Noel Clarke’s Bulletproof co-star Ashley Walters breaks silence and says he’s ‘in shock’ at sex harassment allegations
NOEL Clarke's Bulletproof co-star Ashley Walters has broken his silence on the sexual misconduct allegations against the actor.
In a tweet today the 38-year-old Top Boy star said he was "in shock and deeply saddened" by the claims made by 20 women.
5
"My thoughts are with the women who have come forward and told their awful stories," Walters wrote in a statement.
"I am in shock and deeply saddened by what I have heard on a multitude of levels.
"I could never condone behaviour of this nature neither in nor out of the workplace, and whilst Noel has been a friend and colleague for several years, I cannot stand by and ignore these allegations.
"Sexual harassment, abuse and bullying have no place in our industry.
5
5
5
It comes as:
- Noel Clarke liked a tweet about 'learning from your mistakes' days before the allegations came to light
- Sky halted Bulletproof filming after the star was accused of sexual misconduct
- Noel Clarke's Kidulthood co-star Jaime Winstone told him 'time's up' as Michaela Coel backed accusers
"Every woman has the right to a safe workplace and moving forward I pledge my dedication to this."
Sky today announced it has "halted" all work with Mr Clarke while investigations over the claims take place.
Mr Clarke - who created the hit series - fiercely denies the allegations.
The Viewpoint and Kidulthood actor was stripped of his Bafta last night after it was alleged he sexually harassed, groped and bullied women.
5
A Sky spokesman said: “Sky stands against all forms of sexual harassment and bullying and takes any allegations of this nature extremely seriously.
"Effective immediately, we have halted Noel Clarke’s involvement in any future Sky productions.”
An investigation about Mr Clarke's conduct on Bulletproof has also been launched by the series' UK producer Vertigo Films.
A Vertigo spokesman said: “We are devastated to hear about these allegations and have launched an urgent investigation to find out if any apply to any Vertigo Films productions. Our immediate concern is for any cast or crew who may have had a negative experience on set.
“We have robust procedures in place for reporting incidents, including the ability to raise issues anonymously.
"And while no issues have been flagged to us, we stand ready to support anyone who has had a negative experience on the show and encourage you to come forward with confidence.
Most read in Celebrity
Lewd video emerges of Bafta winner Noel Clarke using a microphone suggestively
"Effective immediately, Noel Clarke is removed from any Vertigo Films production.”
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Mr Clarke joined cop drama Bulletproof on Sky One in May 2018 alongside Walters.
Filming on a fourth series was set to start later this year.