Micheal Ward was permitted bail after appearing in court for his rape and sexual assault case.
Deadline reports that the Top Boy actor arrived at the London courthouse on Thursday, where he was asked to confirm his name, address, and date of birth. He wasn’t expected to submit a plea.
In July, news surfaced that Ward had been charged with two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault by London's Metropolitan Police. He’s accused of committing the alleged offenses with one woman in January 2023. The woman’s identity has remained anonymous.
Detective Superintendent Scott Ware, who is leading the investigation, said at the time, "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.”
The 27-year-old was subsequently dropped from his UK agency, Olivia Bell Management, though it appears he’s still in good standing with his US agent, CAA.
Ward denied the allegations in a statement in July. "I recognize that proceedings are now ongoing, and I have full faith that they will lead to my name being cleared. Given those proceedings, I am unable to comment further."
Ward’s breakthrough role came in 2019, when he played Jamie in the popular British series, Top Boy. He later received the Rising Star Award at the 2020 BAFTAs and was nominated for the TV BAFTAs Best Supporting Actor award for his appearance in Small Axe: Lovers Rock.
His more recent work includes Ari Aster's COVID-19 satire Eddington, where Ward stars opposite Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, and Emma Stone. The film debuted at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.