Sky has halted all work with Noel Clarke as the fallout from yesterday’s allegations continues.
In a statement this morning (30 April), the Comcast-owned broadcaster said it will no longer work with Clarke.
A fourth series of Clarke and Ashley Walters’ Sky 1’s Bulletproof was due to enter production later this year.
It is produced by Vertigo Films rather than Clarke’s Unstoppable Film & Television and it is feasible that the show continues without Clarke’s involvement.
“Sky stands against all forms of sexual harassment and bullying and takes any allegations of this nature extremely seriously,” said a spokesman.
“Effective immediately, we have halted Noel Clarke’s involvement in any future Sky productions.”
Sky said it did not receive any reports or allegations of sexual misconduct or harassment during the first three series of Bulletproof.
The Guardian published accusations from around 20 women last night against Clarke for sexual misconduct and harassment, allegations which Clarke has denied.
Clarke has also been leading this week’s stripped ITV drama Viewpoint (Tiger Aspect) and, at time of writing, the broadcaster had not issued a statement over whether tonight’s finale will go ahead and whether it will remain on ITV Hub.
All3Media, the backer of Unstoppable Film & TV, has also commenced a probe into his behaviour. “We are looking into this as a matter of urgency,” said a spokesman.
I May Destroy You creator Michaela Coel, whose BBC1 hit focused on consent and sexual assault, also issued a statement in which she said she stands with the 20 women “in their indignation”.
“Speaking out about these incidents takes a lot of strength because some call them ‘grey areas’,” said Coel, who has been open in the past about her experience of sexual assault while working on her hit comedy Chewing Gum.
“These behaviours are unprofessional, violent and can destroy a person’s perception of themselves, their place in the world and their career irreparably.”
Separately, Bafta has emailed its members with an in-depth statement responding to the allegations made against Clarke.
Bafta suspended ”until further notice” his membership and his recent Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award on Thursday (April 29).
This story first appeared on Screen’s sister site Broadcast
No comments yet