Women who gave evidence in Noel Clarke’s failed libel action against the Guardian have warned that without cultural change in the television and film industries, more sexual predators will emerge. The court dismissed Clarke’s case on Friday, finding that the Guardian’s allegations of sexual misconduct were substantially true.
Penelope, a pseudonym for an actor who filmed a sex scene with Clarke, said his behaviour was an “open secret”. She called for accountability for those who enabled him. “He found a way to operate as he did because there is a culture across these industries of actors not being protected while at work and having no way of whistleblowing,” she said. “Unless creative industries actively safeguard women, new Noel Clarkes will surface.”
Helen Atherton, who testified about repeated sexual harassment, said she had heard many similar stories from other female professionals. She noted that male colleagues who witnessed inappropriate behaviour felt conflicted about speaking out due to the power of the individuals involved. Atherton welcomed changes under way but said regulation and accountability of powerful individuals needed to improve.
Lisa Graham, who endured inappropriate remarks and touching from Clarke when she was a volunteer, expressed relief at the verdict but anger that witnesses were branded liars in court. “The reality is that the judge saw through him,” she said.
Penelope described being told by Clarke that they needed to be naked from the waist down for a sex scene and that he insisted she look at his erect penis, leaving her “panicked and shocked”. She said: “I have no joy in today’s verdict. It can never undo the awful behaviour of Noel Clarke against so many of us. I am simply relieved that at long last we have been heard.”
