Micheal Ward, the Bafta-winning actor known for his role in Top Boy, has denied that he was 'bent on' getting his own way when he allegedly raped a woman in the back of a car, a court has heard. The 28-year-old actor insisted that everything that happened was consensual and described the woman as an 'active participant' during cross-examination at Snaresbrook Crown Court in east London.
Courtroom exchanges
Prosecutor Tracy Ayling KC told Ward: 'You were bent on getting what you wanted.' Ward responded: 'That definitely was not the case. I have no interest in being with someone who does not want to be with me.' When Ms Ayling reiterated that he was 'bent that night on having sex with her', Ward said: 'No miss, it was what we wanted. She was a willing participant in everything that went on.'
The court heard that after the alleged incident, the pair exchanged messages, with Ward sending a smiling emoji with a heart. The woman later told him to enjoy the rest of his night. Ms Ayling suggested: 'I would suggest you were only trying to make sure that she would not report what happened that night.' Ward responded: 'No, I would suggest that would be wrong.'
Background of the case
Ward is accused of raping the woman after meeting her at a nightclub in east London. He previously told the jury that 'everything we did was wholly consensual and we were having a great time'. He described their interaction as 'quite flirty' with 'passionate' kisses that developed into a 'developing situation'.
When Ms Ayling suggested that 'the only person who had a great time was you', Ward said: 'She was consenting by the way she was moving with me and she was an active participant in everything we did.' He added that the consensual intimate acts were 'something she wanted to do and not that I forced her'.
Ward's career and personal life
The Jamaican-born former model, 28, was awarded the Bafta rising star award in 2020. He was later nominated for a Bafta supporting actor award for his role in Small Axe in 2021 and the 2022 film Empire of Light. He has also starred in films such as Blue Story and The Old Guard.
The court heard that Ward had hosted a New Year party in Gants Hill, east London, after spending Christmas with his close-knit family. The party took place during a break in his work schedule and before the release of his soon-to-be-released film.
Further allegations
The trial continues, with Ward facing allegations that he 'overpowered' the woman after she tried to leave the car. The prosecution claims that Ward raped the woman in the back of the car after the party. Ward maintains his innocence throughout the proceedings.
