Top Boy actor Ashley Walters has defended his decision to speak out about the allegations made against his former co-star Noel Clarke.
Ashley, 39, starred alongside Clarke, 46, in police series Bulletproof which was cancelled last year after the actor was accused of misconduct by as many as 20 women.
Allegations include claims of nonconsensual groping and harassment, covertly taking explicit images and videos and bullying on set, stretching from 2004 until 2019.
At the time, Ashley posted a statement on social media about his co-star, explaining he was 'deeply saddened' and 'cannot stand by and ignore' the allegations.
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This week, speaking to Elizabeth Day on her How To Fail podcast, he spoke about what happened.
"It was an emotional time for me, I'll say that first and foremost, because like you said I am a loyal person. I take my friendships really seriously, but I'm learning to speak up for what I believe in, at the end of the day," he said.
"I couldn't stand by and not say what I said, bottom line. A lot of those cases seem quite historical, obviously there were some recent ones, I didn't witness anything like that, but what I said was I would never agree with anything like that. It's not how I've been brought up, it's not something I condone."
He added: "My mum wouldn't have any of it, I've been brought up by some really strong women and I've got some really beautiful strong women in my life, and I would never want them to have to experience anything like that or go through anything like that.
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"My heart went out to the people making those accusations, allegedly obviously, but bottom line is that I had to stand on the side that I'm on, and I'm sure that upset a lot of people as much as a lot of people were happy that I did but it was my stance, I stuck with it. Whatever the consequences are for that, then so be it."
Clarke vehemently denied the accusations, which were made in April 2021, and in a statement said: "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."
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Featured Image Credit: Alamy/SkyTopics: Celebrity