British actor Micheal Ward was acquitted of rape and other sexual assault charges on Friday, July 10, 2026, by a jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London. The 28-year-old star of Netflix's crime drama "Top Boy" had faced allegations of sexually assaulting a woman in a Mercedes in 2023.
Charges and Verdict
The jury found Ward not guilty on all five counts: two counts of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sexual assault. Ward had consistently denied the charges and expressed confidence in being cleared. Defense lawyer Humzah Ilyas stated that Ward was "looking forward to getting back to doing the work he loves."
Career Highlights
Ward has appeared in notable films such as "Blue Story," "The Book of Clarence," and the 2025 American political satire "Eddington," alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal. In 2020, he won the Rising Star award at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs). He was also nominated for a BAFTA acting award for Sam Mendes' "Empire of Light" and a BAFTA television award for the Steve McQueen-directed series "Small Axe."
Impact and Next Steps
The acquittal allows Ward to resume his acting career without the shadow of the charges. His legal team emphasized his relief and eagerness to return to work. The case drew significant media attention due to Ward's rising profile in the entertainment industry.
