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Actor Noel Clarke stripped of Bafta honors, membership after 20 women accuse him of sexual predation & bullying
30 Apr, 2021 09:43
Noel Clarke receives Outstanding British Contribution To Cinema BAFTA award.
©BAFTA / Handout via REUTERS
Acclaimed British actor and filmmaker Noel Clarke has been accused by multiple women of being a serial sexual predator, who has been abusing his professional position of power to harass subordinates. He denied the allegations.
Clarke is a prolific actor, producer, screenwriter and director best known for productions like ‘The Hood Trilogy’ and ‘Bulletproof’ TV series. On April 10, he received the prize for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta), his latest professional award.
A damning expose published by the Guardian on Thursday paints him as an abusive sexual predator, who for years has been using his industry position to sexually harass female co-workers. The newspaper interviewed 20 women, many of whom went on record under their real names, who described incidents of misconduct by Clarke that allegedly happened between 2004 and 2019.
He was accused of secretly filming a nude audition with actress Jahannah James and showing the footage to other people, including producer Gina Powell, who worked for Clarke between 2014 and 2017, producing ‘Brotherhood’.
Norwegian film producer Synne Seltveit said Clarke smacked her buttocks and sent her a photo of an erect penis through Snapchat.
Anna Avramenko, who worked as an intern during the filming of ‘Doghouse’, said Clarke tried to kiss her several times on set.
Actress Jing Lusi, who worked with Clarke on the film ‘SAS: Red Notice’, said he told her he wanted to go have sex with her, and after she refused he threatened her with reprecautions (repercussions) unless she kept the episode to herself.
Helen Atherton, an art director on ‘Brotherhood’, said Clarke broke industry norms for filming nude and sex scenes. At times he pressured actresses into taking part in what was “porn basically”.
Philippa Crabb, who worked as a runner on ‘Brotherhood’, said Clarke bombarded her with inappropriate comments. The experience was so bad that she quit the film industry and moved to Switzerland, the report said.
Similar detailed allegations of inappropriate conversations, unwanted physical contact, humiliation and emotional abuse came from other women who remained anonymous.
Clarke denied the allegations, saying in a statement: “In a 20-year career, I have put inclusivity and diversity at the forefront of my work and never had a complaint made against me. If anyone who has worked with me has ever felt uncomfortable or disrespected, I sincerely apologise. I vehemently deny any sexual misconduct or wrongdoing and intend to defend myself against these false allegations.”
The only incident that he acknowledged happening was described by Ieva Sabaliauskaite, a production assistant on ‘Brotherhood’. At a party, she demonstrated her skills as a former gymnast, including doing the splits, and Clarke took a picture of her that showed her underwear. She said she was humiliated when she saw her boss showing the image to colleagues and lunged for the phone, which caused it to drop, breaking the screen. She was further humiliated when she was ordered to take it to a repair shop.
Clarke’s lawyers said the photo only showed what Sabaliauskaite did publicly on a dancefloor and that taking the phone to be fixed was part of her job. They said Clarke was simply joking when he showed the image to others.
Bafta was aware of the allegations before awarding its prize to Clarke, the Guardian reported, but said it could not investigate the credibility of an anonymous email it had received regarding the filmmaker. The organization took a different stance after the expose was published. The report “provided for the first time detailed accounts outlining serious allegations regarding Noel Clarke’s conduct,” so Bafta has “immediately suspended the award and Noel Clarke’s membership of Bafta until further notice,” it said.
The newspaper alleged that Clarke and his business partner, Jason Maza, had been contacting people about its ongoing investigation. Clarke reportedly called James, the actress whose nude audition he allegedly secretly filmed, to ask her if she was talking to the press.
“I would just ask you if the good times meant anything. Do not speak to this woman [the Guardian journalist] … Do not entertain it. Just f***ing – just please do not, that’s all,” he was quoted as saying.
“If there’s someone that was like a consensual that’s changed their mind five years later, well, firstly, that’s f****ing ridiculous. Secondly, they still have to prove it. And I’m not trying to be that guy that’s like: hahaha I’m guilty, prove it. I’m not trying to be that guy. But they still have to prove it,” he reportedly added.
Maza allegedly called a different woman after Clarke received the Bafta award to tell her that the story had been buried. “Obviously, this article hasn’t broken in the Guardian and it won’t run in the Guardian now,” he allegedly said. “As far as we’re concerned, the thing has now gone away as much as Noel can do in his power.”
‘Game of Thrones’ actress Esme Bianco sues Marilyn Manson for rape as authorities probe rock star over reports of sexual abuse
1 May, 2021 11:31
Singer Marilyn Manson poses for photographers at the Fashion Awards 2016 in London, Britain December 5, 2016. © REUTERS/Neil Hall
‘Game of Thrones’ actress Esme Bianco is suing Marliyn Manson, alleging that the shock rocker raped her, months after she and other women accused him of sexual abuse.
Filed in a California court, the complaint claims that Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, used drugs and “threats of force” to coerce sexual acts from Bianco, who played Ros on the popular HBO show, on multiple occasions. Manson is accused of “biting, cutting, and whipping” the British actress without her consent, and also engaging in sexual acts with the actress while she was unconscious. Manson raped Bianco sometime around May 2011, the suit alleges, with other incidents of abuse said to have occurred between 2009 and 2013. Manson, along with his former manager, Tony Ciulla, is also accused of violating human trafficking laws. The musician allegedly flew Bianco from London to Los Angeles after offering her a role in a music video and a film that was never made.
Bianco would have been 27 years old in 2009.
Bianco was reportedly ordered to live at Manson’s residence and perform unpaid labor, including cooking and cleaning. The suit claims that Bianco was forced to wear lingerie around the house and that Manson beat her with a whip that he claimed had been “utilized by the Nazis.” Manson is also accused of electrocuting the actress and locking her in a closet.
The lawsuit states that the pair’s relationship, which began in 2009, lasted for several years and was initially consensual, but that Bianco “escaped” from him in 2011.
Several years?
In a statement, Bianco said that her alleged abuser has used his money and fame to avoid punishment. She said that she brought the suit against the rock star because she wanted to help stop him from “shattering any more lives and empower other victims to seek their own small measure of justice.”
Manson’s attorney dismissed the claims made in the lawsuit as “provably false,” adding that it was only filed after his client “refused to be shaken down” by Bianco and her lawyer. He said that all the charges would be challenged in court and that he was confident his client would be vindicated.
Bianco was one of several women who came forward earlier this year with stories of abuse suffered at the hands of Manson. As a teenager she had been a huge fan of the musician, but her idol later became her nightmare.
In an interview from February, she described Manson as a “monster who almost destroyed me and almost destroyed so many women.” Around the same time, other women issued statements alleging similar abuse, including sexual assault and domestic violence.
Shortly after, Los Angeles County authorities announced that they had launched a domestic violence investigation against Manson.
Bianco’s attorney told the media that, while the criminal investigation into Manson was still ongoing, it was important to “pursue every possible avenue” to hold him accountable for his alleged actions.
Manson has previously denied accusations of sexual abuse, insisting that his intimate relationships have always been “entirely consensual with like-minded partners.”
Boxing star ‘wanted by authorities over missing woman who was last seen at his home telling him she was pregnant with his baby’
2 May, 2021 09:05
Boxing star Felix Verdejo © Reuters / Andrew Couldridge © Twitter / jasminedragon96
Boxer Felix Verdejo is "of interest" in the investigation of a missing woman whose body may have been found drowned in Puerto Rico, according to reports claiming that she disappeared after telling him she was carrying his child.
Keishla Marlen Rodriguez Ortiz has been missing since Thursday morning, causing local officials to issue a Pink Alert as part of a new bill passed in October to help speed up the process of finding missing women against a backdrop of increasing gender violence on the island.
The alert is for adult women whose disappearances are linked to domestic violence, hate crimes or crimes of a sexual nature, and Ortiz's sister, Bereliz Nichole, accompanied the move with a video on Facebook appealing for information.
Several local accounts on social media have alleged that the body of a pregnant woman whose blonde hair matched Ortiz's has since been found floating in a lake, with her family called to identify whether the body is hers.
Verdejo was contacted by criminal investigators on Thursday, according to Boxing Scene, which has said that he initially "shut down" an interview before agreeing to voluntarily meet them with his attorney.
The account also quoted a local news publication which said that Verdejo and Rodriguez were allegedly romantically linked in the past, and reported that Rodriguez's last location was at his home, where she is said to have arrived with a pregnancy test and the intention of telling him that he was the father.
According to the investigation, the last known location for Rodriguez was at Verdejo’s home where she allegedly arrived with a pregnancy test in tow and to inform the boxer that he was the father.
Ortiz was last officially seen in a car that was found abandoned in the municipality of Canovanas, ESPN said, adding that a police commissioner had told reporters that they were "still looking for [her] alive" and collaborating with the FBI.
“We are interviewing several people who are close to her," said Police Commissioner López Figueroa, announcing that their information suggested Verdejo had known Ortiz for "11 or 12 years".
"Countless people are going to be summoned. Anyone who had any contact with her, any romantic relationship, we are also interviewing." Verdejo's wife, Eliz Marie Santiago, is also said to have spoken to investigators on Friday.
Verdejo, 27, has scored 17 knockouts in an impressive 29-fight defeat that has only seen him beaten twice.
The most recent of those was in December, when he unsuccessfully challenged Masayoshi Nakatani for the WBO Inter-Continental lightweight title, suffering a ninth-round knockout in Las Vegas.
The former London 2012 Olympic Games competitor for his country had been on a run of four wins before his bid for the belt failed.
The danger of making celebrities heroes - athletic ability, musical ability, acting ability do not require good character. Very often these are not the type of person you want your children to emulate.
MLB fires Roberto Alomar from consultant position
amid sexual misconduct allegation
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Former Blue Jays' star infielder 'disappointed, surprised and upset with news'
Christine Rankin · CBC Sports
Posted: Apr 30, 2021 1:44 PM ET | Last Updated: May 1
Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar has been fired by MLB amid a sexual misconduct allegation, according to a statement the league released Friday. (Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Major League Baseball has fired former Toronto Blue Jays second baseman and Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar from a consultant position amid a sexual misconduct allegation.
Commissioner Rob Manfred on Friday announced Alomar had been placed on the MLB's ineligible list, according to a media release from the league.
A statement from the commissioner said an independent investigation was conducted by an external legal firm at his office's request to review the allegation, which date back to 2014 and were reported by a "baseball industry employee" earlier this year.
"Having reviewed all of the available evidence from the now completed investigation, I have concluded that Mr. Alomar violated MLB's policies, and that termination of his consultant contract and placement on MLB's Ineligible List are warranted," the statement said.
"We are grateful for the courage of the individual who came forward. MLB will continue to strive to create environments in which people feel comfortable speaking up without fear of recrimination, retaliation, or exclusion."
The complainant's lawyer released a statement later Friday saying she did not plan to take further action against Alomar. "She simply wants to ensure that Mr. Alomar is held accountable for his wrongdoing and hopes her actions can help Major League Baseball create a safer workplace for its employees," the statement said.
It also expressed the woman's support for MLB's action against Alomar.
In January, New York Mets general manager Jared Porter was fired for having sent sexually explicit and uninvited messages and images to a female reporter in 2016.
The next month, Los Angeles Angels pitching coach Mickey Callaway was suspended following allegations of inappropriate behaviour from five women in sports media.
Jays 'severing all ties' with player
"The Blue Jays are severing all ties with Alomar, effective immediately, [and] are committed to advancing respect and equity in baseball and are taking further action by removing Alomar from the Level of Excellence and taking down his banner at Rogers Centre."
Alomar's No. 12 banner was revealed at the Rogers Centre nearly 10 years ago in July 2011. He's one of only two players in franchise history to have their numbers retired, joining late pitcher Roy Halladay.
The release said the team commends "the courage demonstrated by the individual who bravely came forward."
'Disappointed, surprised'
Alomar responded with a statement on Twitter, saying "with the current social climate [he understands] why Major League Baseball has taken the position they have."
"I am disappointed, surprised, and upset with today's news," he said. "My hope is that this allegation can be heard in a venue that will allow me to address the accusation directly."
"I will continue to spend my time helping kids pursue their baseball dreams. I will not be making any further comment at this time."
MLB says it also won't be providing further details to respect the person's privacy and confidentiality.
Plaque remains in Cooperstown
The National Baseball Hall of Fame said it was "shocked and saddened," but that Alomar's plaque would remain on display to recognize his achievements in baseball.
"When he was elected to the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers' Association of America in the Class of 2011, Alomar was an eligible candidate in good standing. His plaque will remain on display in the Hall of Fame in recognition of his accomplishments in the game, and his enshrinement reflects his eligibility and the perspective of the BBWAA voters at that time."
Alomar is a 12-time all-star and received 10 Gold Glove Awards. He became the first Toronto Blue Jays player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame after spending five seasons with the team, including the back-to-back World Series wins in 1992 and 1993.
He first signed with San Diego, but also played for Baltimore, Cleveland, the New York Mets, Chicago and Arizona.
Vancouver Canucks place Jake Virtanen on leave
following sexual misconduct allegations
The Canadian Press
Posted: May 01, 2021 4:07 PM ET
The Vancouver Canucks have placed right-winger Jake Virtanen on leave following allegations of sexual misconduct.
The team released a statement Saturday saying it "does not accept sexual misconduct of any kind and the claims as reported are being treated very seriously."
The Canucks say they have "engaged external expertise" to assist in an independent investigation and Virtanen has been placed on leave as the team awaits more information.
No charges have been laid, and neither Virtanen nor his representatives have responded to the allegations.
Virtanen, who hails from Langley, (actually, Abbotsford), B.C., was drafted sixth overall by Vancouver in 2014. He has five points, all goals, in 38 games this season.
Virtanen signed a two-year, $5.1-million US extension with Vancouver in October.
Mistakay: Rapper Kieron Cunliffe jailed over
live-streamed child sex abuse
Published 2 days ago
A music producer and rapper who live-streamed child sex abuse to the US has been jailed for 15 years.
Cunliffe, who performs as MistaKay and is also known as Kieron McGowan, pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual assault of a child under 13.
He was also handed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
Cunliffe was located by police after the US Department of Homeland Security contacted the South Yorkshire force to tell them about a man sharing child sex abuse images in a chat room.
His IP address was traced that same day to a property in Doncaster.
Cunliffe also pleaded guilty to two counts of taking indecent images of a child and two counts of distributing indecent images of children at an earlier court hearing.
The rapper, whose music had been played on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, was jailed at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday.
He is to serve a minimum of 10 years in prison and the remainder of his sentence on extended licence.
My first attempt to pronounce 'Mistakay' came out as 'Mistake Eh'! Seems more appropriate now.
Ex-Germany footballer Christoph Metzelder pleads guilty
over child abuse images
Updated: 30 April 2021, 11:17
By Nick Hardinges, LBC
Former Germany and Real Madrid footballer Christoph Metzelder has pleaded guilty to sharing images that show child sex abuse.
The ex-defender was issued with a 10-month suspended sentence at Dusseldorf District Court for distributing the pictures.
He admitted to most of the public prosecutor's charges and was convicted of one charge of possession as his trial commenced on Wednesday.
Metzelder, who spent the bulk of his career at Borussia Dortmund, had been accused of possessing images of children being sexually exploited and of forwarding 29 files to three women, who are also being investigated.
He initially denied the charges when the allegations against him were made public in August 2019. But the prosecutor told the court that the former international star sent photos earlier that month showing the sexual abuse of girls under the age of 10.
The 40-year-old said: "I leave a wound that will never heal."
He apologised to the victims and said he would return all awards handed to him for founding a charity fighting child poverty.
Metzelder enjoyed a successful playing career in Spain and Germany, also representing Schalke.
He made 47 appearances for Germany, helping the side finish as runners-up at the 2002 World Cup and 2008 European Championship. After retirement, Metzelder worked briefly as a pundit for broadcaster ARD.
The ex-footballer stepped down as president of his hometown club TuS Haltern in September 2019 when the allegations came to light.
He is set to next appear in court on 4 and 10 May for the rest of the trial.
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