Top Boy actor Micheal Ward Acquitted of Rape and Sexual Assault Charges

By Adesewa Ojo

Micheal Ward has been found not guilty of all charges in his criminal trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London.

Michael Ward Photo Credit: PA Media | 2025 

On Friday, July 10, a jury acquitted Ward of two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault following allegations related to an encounter with a woman after they met at a London nightclub on January 2, 2023. Throughout the trial, Ward maintained that the encounter was consensual.

Speaking outside the court, Ward’s solicitor, Humzah Ilyas, said the legal proceedings had effectively suspended the actor’s life and career for the last three and a half years. He described the case as having a "profound impact" on Ward and said the actor was now looking forward to returning to the work he loves.

Ward is one of the UK's most prominent young screen actors, earning widespread recognition for his performances in Blue Story, Empire of Light, The Old Guard, and Eddington. His work in Empire of Light earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the British Academy Film Awards. He first rose to international prominence after winning the British Academy Film Awards EE Rising Star Award in 2020 and has since built an acclaimed career across film and television, including standout roles in Top Boy and The A List.

With the verdict now delivered, Ward is expected to continue his work across film and television, remaining one of the leading talents of a new generation of Black British actors.