How Bafta spent two weeks grappling with Noel Clarke dilemma

Academy says it was in impossible' situation, but it faces questions over delays in offering safeguarding to alleged victims

• Noel Clarke accused of groping, harassment and bullying by 20 women

When Bafta announced its plan to give Noel Clarke the award for outstanding British contribution to cinema on 29 March 2021, the academy's film committee chair, Marc Samuelson, described him as an inspiration ... [we] cannot think of a more deserving recipient for this year's award".

Others in Britain's film industry disagreed. Within hours, Bafta was contacted jointly by three industry figures alerting it to the existence of several allegations of verbal abuse, bullying and sexual harassment against Clarke.