Ed Westwick BBC drama put on hold after rape allegations against actor

Agatha Christie adaptation Ordeal by Innocence has been postponed

(Getty)

Two BBC shows starring Ed Westwick have been put on hold in light of the current rape allegations against him.

The actor strongly denies the accusations, made by two women, releasing a statement on social media on Thursday reading: "It is disheartening and sad to me that as a result of two unverified and provably untrue social media claims, there are some in this environment who could ever conclude I have had anything to do with such vile and horrific conduct."

"I absolutely have not, and I am cooperating with the authorities so that they can clear my name as soon as possible."

Former actor Aurelie Wynn, whose stage name was Aurelie Marie Cao, alleged the 30-year-old raped her in July 2014 in a Facebook post on Wednesday, claiming the incident took place at Westwick's home.

Kristina Cohen described an alleged encounter in a lengthy Facebook post on Tuesday. Cohen claimed a man she was dating at the time brought her to Westwick's house three years ago where he allegedly raped her. She claimed she woke up from a nap in a guest bedroom to find herself being assaulted by Westwick. Cohen has filed a complaint with the LAPD.

"I do not know this woman. I have never forced myself in any manner, on any woman. I certainly have never committed rape," Westwick said on social media on Tuesday in response to Cohen's initial allegation.

Agatha Christie's Ordeal by Innocence, which was due to air on BBC One this Christmas, will not be scheduled "until these matters are resolved", the BBC said. The star has also "paused" filming on the second series of BBC Two comedy White Gold, in which he stars as an Essex double glazing salesman.

The three-part drama is an adaptation of the Agatha Christie novel of the same name, also starring Bill Nighy, Eleanor Tomlinson, and Anna Chancellor. It was expected to be a key part of the BBC's holiday programming.

A BBC spokesperson said: "These are serious allegations which Ed Westwick has strenuously denied. The BBC is not making any judgement but until these matters are resolved we will not include Ordeal by Innocence in the schedules. The independent production company making White Gold has informed us that Ed Westwick has paused from filming while he deals with these allegations."

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