British actor Micheal Ward, known for his role in the hit Netflix series Top Boy, has been charged with two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault. The charges relate to a single incident involving one woman in January 2023, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Ward, 27, from Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, is scheduled to appear before Thames Magistrates’ Court on August 28, 2025. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed the charges earlier today, sparking widespread media attention both in the UK and internationally.
Charges and Official Statements
In a statement, Detective Superintendent Scott Ware, who is overseeing the investigation, said:
“Our specialist officers continue to support the woman who has come forward. We understand that investigations of this nature can have a significant impact on survivors.”
Micheal Ward responded to the charges, saying he “entirely denies” all allegations:
“I have co-operated fully with the police throughout their investigation and will continue to do so. I recognise that proceedings are now ongoing and I have full faith that they will lead to my name being cleared.”
The Crown Prosecution Service emphasized the importance of a fair trial. Catherine Baccas, deputy chief crown prosecutor for CPS London South, reminded the public:
“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Career Highlights
Micheal Ward rose to fame with his breakout role as Jamie in Top Boy, a critically acclaimed Netflix crime drama. He later starred in films such as Blue Story, The Old Guard, and Empire of Light. In 2020, Ward won the prestigious BAFTA Rising Star Award, solidifying his place as one of the UK’s most promising young actors.
Ward was also nominated for a Best Supporting Actor BAFTA for his performance in Steve McQueen’s Small Axe (2021) and for Empire of Light (2022).
Most recently, he appeared at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 for the premiere of Eddington, a COVID-era film directed by Ari Aster, where he starred alongside Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, and Pedro Pascal.
Repercussions and Reactions
Following the charges, Olivia Bell Management, which previously represented Ward in the UK, confirmed it has dropped him as a client. His U.S.-based agency, CAA (Creative Artists Agency), has yet to release a public statement.
Despite his rising profile internationally, the legal proceedings could have a significant impact on Ward’s acting career and public image. He has over 1.2 million followers on Instagram and has participated in high-profile charity events, including the Soccer Aid match and the Christmas Eve carol service hosted by the Princess of Wales in 2023.
Upcoming Projects
Ward is set to star in the upcoming American drama Eddington, scheduled for release in the UK next month. The film is anticipated to be one of the year’s biggest releases and features an all-star cast including Austin Butler and Deirdre O’Connell.
Legal Disclaimer:
Micheal Ward is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The legal process is ongoing, and all parties are entitled to a fair and impartial trial.