Bafta-winning actor Michael Ward faces allegations of rape and sexual assault, with a court hearing that the woman involved described him as "overpowering" and stated she felt she had no choice during the alleged incidents. Ward, 28, denies two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault.
The alleged offenses occurred in the back of a Mercedes-Benz on New Year's Day 2023, following a party in Gant's Hill, London. According to testimony presented to the jury, the alleged victim recounted being instructed by Ward to walk behind him and not speak to anyone en route to the car. She stated that when she attempted to leave the vehicle, Ward told her to close the door.
The court heard that the woman described Ward as "overpowering" and that during the first alleged sexual act, she felt numb and scared, wanting the experience to conclude. She stated she did not engage with the act and did not touch Ward. When Ward allegedly insisted on a second instance of the sexual act, the woman testified that he threatened, "If I tell you to do it, you do it." She told jurors that at this point, she felt she had no choice, and that Ward said, "if you are quick you can go."
The woman told a police officer on January 13, 2023, that she did not want to engage in the act and felt she could leave once Ward "got what he wanted." She added that Ward claimed to be drunk, but she did not smell alcohol on him and did not believe he was intoxicated. During their conversation after leaving the car, Ward reportedly spoke about his career and upcoming projects.
She further stated that Ward should have recognized her lack of consent from her body language and non-participation, noting that she did not initiate any physical contact. The woman reported experiencing physical pain and discomfort for two days following the alleged assault. She explained that she did not report the incident at the time because she "didn't really understand what had happened" and felt she "couldn't say anything," experiencing self-blame and feeling "a bit stupid."
Ward, known for his roles in "Top Boy," "Small Axe," and the film "Empire of Light," was arrested on January 18, 2023. In a prepared statement to the police, he stated, "I deny the allegation of rape. I want to put on record that we had consensual foreplay and consensual sex." He was charged on July 25, 2025. The trial is ongoing before Judge Rosa Dean.
Micheal Ward gained prominence for his role in the 2019 film "Blue Story" and the Netflix revival of "Top Boy." His career also includes roles in "Small Axe" and "Empire of Light," for which he received Bafta nominations. He has also been featured in "The Beautiful Game" and the neo-Western thriller "Eddington."