Micheal Ward 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 Bafta-winning actor said that everything that happened was consensual and described the woman as an 'active participant' while being cross-examined in his trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court in east London.
Court Proceedings and Cross-Examination
Ward, whose breakout role was in the drama series Top Boy, is accused of raping the woman after meeting her at a nightclub in east London. Prosecutor Tracy Ayling KC told him '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.' After Ms Ayling said again 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.'
Messages and Allegations
The court heard they later exchanged messages and Ward sent her a smiling emoji with a heart before she told him to enjoy the rest of his night. Ms Ayling added: '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.'
Ward's Background and Career
The Jamaican-born former model, 28, was awarded the Bafta rising star award in 2020 before being recognised with a supporting actor nomination for his role in Small Axe in 2021 and the 2022 film Empire of Light. He also starred in films such as Blue Story and The Old Guard. Ward previously told the jury that 'everything we did was wholly consensual and we were having a great time'. He said they had shared a 'quite flirty' conversation and 'passionate' kisses, which then became a 'developing situation'.
Defense and Consent Claims
When Ms Ayling suggested '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 also added that the consensual intimate acts between them was 'something she wanted to do and [it was] not that I forced her'. The court heard how Ward had hosted a New Year party in Gants Hill, east London, after he enjoyed Christmas with his close-knit family. The party took place during a pause in his work schedule and before his soon-to-be released film.
