London, UK – July 25, 2025 – Bafta-nominated actor Micheal Ward, known for his roles in Top Boy and Empire of Light, has been charged with two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault, the Metropolitan Police announced today. The charges, authorized by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), relate to alleged offenses against one woman in January 2023.
The 27-year-old actor from Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, is set to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Catherine Baccas, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London South, stated, “Having carefully reviewed a file of evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Micheal Ward with these offenses. We remind all concerned that proceedings are active, and he has a right to a fair trial.”
Detective Superintendent Scott Ware, leading the investigation, emphasized the police’s commitment to supporting the complainant, saying, “Our specialist officers continue to support the woman who has come forward – we know investigations of this nature can have significant impact on those who make reports.”Ward, who won the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2020 and starred in films like Blue Story and Eddington, has denied the allegations. In a statement, he said, “I deny the charges against me entirely. I have cooperated fully with the police throughout their investigation and will continue to cooperate. I have full faith that proceedings will lead to my name being cleared.”Following the charges, Ward has been dropped by his UK agency, Olivia Bell Management. The CPS has urged responsible reporting to avoid prejudicing the ongoing legal proceedings, in line with the Contempt of Court Act 1981.
