ITV has announced it is pulling the finale of its drama, Viewpoint, tonight in light of the misconduct allegations against the main character, Noel Clarke.
As the news dropped in a Guardian expose yesterday that as many as 20 women had spoken out against Clarke's problematic patterns of behaviour, which stretched from 2004 until 2019, many viewers of Viewpoint decided to switch off the fourth episode, and others commented that they wouldn't be watching Clarke in the finale.
Now, ITV has decided to pull the fifth episode from screens - although it will still air on ITV Player for those who do wish to watch it.
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An ITV spokesperson said: "ITV has a zero tolerance policy to bullying, harassment and victimisation and robust procedures in place to investigate and deal with any complaints. We strongly believe that everyone deserves to work in a supportive and safe environment.
"In light of the very serious nature of the allegations against Noel Clarke raised by 20 women in the Guardian's report, ITV has decided it is no longer appropriate to broadcast the final episode of the drama Viewpoint on ITV main channel this evening.
"We are mindful that some of our viewers have already invested four hours of their time over the past four nights in following this thriller which was due to conclude this evening, and they have yet to see the final episode. As such we plan to make it available on ITV Hub tonight for a limited time for any viewers who wish to seek it out, and watch its conclusion."
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Viewpoint will be available on The Hub until Sunday night. It will not be available to watch on any ITV platform after that time.
It comes after the 45-year-old actor faced allegations from actresses, producers and interns, which include claims of nonconsensual groping and harassment, covertly taking explicit images and videos and bullying on set.
Harrowingly, two women who had worked with the Bulletproof actor claim to have left the industry after their experiences with him.
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Public accusers of Clarke included Clarke's Brotherhood co-producer Gina Powell and Brotherhood actress Jahannah James, while several other women spoke under fake names, to protect their identities.
Clarke has since denied all allegations put to him, apart from a claim that he made inappropriate comments about one of his accusers.
He said 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."
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Clarke wrote the screenplays for Kidulthood (2006), Adulthood (2008), and Brotherhood (2016), in which he played the character Sam Peel, while also directing the last two movies.
The actor raised to prominence playing Mickey Smith in Doctor Who, first appearing in 2005.
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