Noel Clarke: BAFTA Defends Decision To Present Actor With Outstanding Contribution To British Cinema Prize | Ents & Arts News

The BAFTA has defended its decision to show Noel Clarke his outstanding British contribution to the film prize – and said calls for the board’s resignation were inappropriate.

Vice President of BAFTA Dame Pippa Harris told Sky News that she “absolutely” stood alongside President Krishnendu Majumdar and Chief Executive Officer Amanda Berry who, with guidance from the organization’s board, honored Clarke after being made aware of allegations of verbal abuse, intimidation and sexual harassment – because the information given to them was anonymous or second-hand.

In response to the allegations, first published following an investigation by the Guardian newspaper, Clarke “vehemently” denied the allegations of sexual misconduct and criminal behavior, but apologized “deeply” for his actions and said he would seek professional help.

BAFTA suspended the award but came under criticism for doing it in the first place.

Now Dame Pippa has addressed the issue, speaking for the first time in an exclusive broadcast interview with Sky News.

When asked if Mr Majumdar should resign, Dame Pippa said: “This whole thing has been extremely difficult, as you can imagine, for everyone involved, and Krish has worked with the council throughout. administration. It was a joint decision. -manufacturing process.

“Krish didn’t do anything on his own. So any criticism that has been leveled at BAFTA should be directed at everyone. It really isn’t fair to separate people.

“Everything Krish has done he has done with the full approval and knowledge of the council.”

Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe, who founded the British Urban Film Festival and worked with BAFTA, …