Ed Westwick will not be prosecuted over sexual assault allegations in the US
Prosecutors said witnesses were not able to provide information 'that would enable the prosecution to prove either incident beyond a reasonable doubt'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.British actor Ed Westwick will not face prosecution over three sexual assault allegations made against him in the US.
The Los Angeles District Attorney said it would not pursue the cases against the star of TV series including Gossip Girl and White Gold, despite the first two accusers having identified witnesses.
Prosecutors said the witnesses were “not able to provide information that would enable the prosecution to prove either incident beyond a reasonable doubt”. They said they were unable to contact the third alleged victim.
The 30-year-old actor vehemently denied the “unverified and provably untrue” allegations when two women accused him of rape last November.
In a statement posted on his social media last year, he said: “It is disheartening and sad to me that as a result of two unverified and probably untrue social media claims, there are some in this environment who could ever conclude that I have had anything to do with such vile and horrific conduct.”
The actor added he was “cooperating with the authorities” in order to clear his name.
Prosecutors said other women had alleged unwanted touching against the actor, but that these claims would not be pursued because they fell outside the statute of limitations.
After the allegations emerged last year, the BBC cut Westwick out of its Agatha Christie drama Ordeal by Innocence and “paused” filming on the second series of BBC Two comedy White Gold.