Arabic version: ميشيل وارد يدلي بشهادته في محاكمة الاغتصاب، ويزعم أن اللقاء كان بالتراضي

British actor Micheal Ward, known for his roles in Top Boy and Blue Story, has denied allegations of raping a woman in the back of a car. During a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London, Ward stated that the encounter was consensual and that he believed they were enjoying themselves together.

Ward, 28, is accused of raping the woman after meeting her at a nightclub in east London on 2 January 2023. He denies two charges of rape and three counts of sexual assault. According to BBC News, he described their interaction as “quite flirty” and characterized their kisses as “passionate.”

The alleged victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, expressed distress during her testimony, indicating that she felt confused about the situation and would not have entered the car if she had known what would transpire. She recounted that she “did not use the word no” during the encounter but stated she attempted to leave “on multiple occasions.”

Ward countered these claims, asserting that the woman was an “active participant” and that their engagement was mutual. He claimed that she showed interest through her body language and conversation, leading him to believe their interaction was consensual. Furthermore, he noted that they exchanged friendly messages after the incident, suggesting a positive rapport.

The trial continues as both sides present their arguments, with the court hearing differing accounts of the events that unfolded that night. The proceedings have drawn attention due to Ward’s rising fame in the acting industry and the serious nature of the allegations against him.