Top Boy star Micheal Ward has denied allegations of rape, assault by penetration, and sexual assault, telling a court that the encounter in question was consensual and that he and the woman involved were "having a great time."
The Bafta-winning actor, appearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court, 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. Ward denies all charges.
Ward, 28, stated that the alleged incident, which occurred in his friend's Mercedes-Benz after a party, followed a period of mutual flirting and engagement. He told the court that he and the woman engaged in foreplay, shared "passionate" kisses, and that any intimate act would not have occurred without her consent. He described the woman as an "active participant" whom he believed gave consent.
During his testimony, Ward responded to defense counsel Sallie Bennett-Jenkins KC's questions about the allegations with "No miss, I did not." He further elaborated, "We had a mutual attraction with each other. We engaged in consensual sex, had a great time and she was actively participating in what we were doing all the time."
The court heard that Ward had hosted a New Year's party in Gants Hill, east London, prior to the alleged incident. He testified that he first saw the complainant outside the venue and engaged in a "flirty conversation" with her, exchanging Snapchat details. He stated he perceived "interest there – from her eye contact and the way she was speaking."
Ward recounted receiving a message from the woman indicating she was waiting by a car and had enjoyed the party. He then invited her to join him in a vehicle, describing their subsequent interaction as a "continuation of the flirting." He stated, "She was touching me and I was touching her. She was rubbing my leg when we were kissing. She kept her arms around me and it was a developing situation." He believed her actions were an "inviting act" and that they were "both enjoying that moment."
Afterward, Ward claimed he wished to see her again, describing her as "cool." He said she was "smiling" as he confirmed details for an afterparty. When they later went to a car to talk, Ward stated the woman seemed "absolutely fine" and they had an "engaging general conversation."
He asked the woman to move to the back seat, which she did. Ward testified that she gave no indication of wanting to leave, and the car door remained unlocked. He described their subsequent kissing and touching as "very much passionate" and that "she was enjoying it. I was enjoying it."
Ward stated the woman said her friends were waiting for her. He also recalled foreplay occurring, describing the progression as "comfortable" and "natural hot way." He asserted that if she had shown any unwillingness, "we would not have done it."
In contrast, a previously played police interview recorded the alleged victim describing Ward as "overpowering." She recounted trying to leave the vehicle and being told by Ward to close the door. The jurors heard she described feeling "numb" and "scared," wanting the situation to end. The prosecution stated Ward then allegedly forced her into a sex act for a second time, threatening, "If I tell you to do it, you do it." The complainant stated she did not feel she had a choice and that Ward said, "if you are quick you can go."
Ward was arrested on January 18, 2023. In a prepared statement to police, he said, "I deny the allegation of rape. I want to put on record that we had consensual foreplay and consensual sex." He was subsequently charged on July 25, 2025. The trial is ongoing.