John Barrowman explains why he felt the need to expose himself on set of Torchwood
‘My actions were simply designed to defuse any potential awkwardness,’ he said
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
John Barrowman has clarified why he exposed himself on the set of Torchwood.
In May 2021, the actor admitted to “tomfoolery” on the set of the BBC shows after a 2015 video from a fan convention was unearthed, in which co-star Noel Clarke alleged that he took “his d*** out every five minutes”.
At one point in the clip, Clarke asked his co-star Camille Coduri whether she remembers “that time he put it on your shoulder in the make-up truck?” to which she responded: “Yes, I do.”
Speaking to the Daily Mail’s Weekend magazine, Barrowman said: “The moment has come to set the record straight. This is the first time – and the last – I will address this subject. And then I plan to draw a thick black line under it.”
The actor claimed his actions were intended to keep his co-stars “entertained” ahead of the show’s nude scenes, saying: “If I were standing waiting to film a scene where I needed to be nude and someone came into view, I’d make a joke to put them and myself at ease.”
“My actions were simply designed to defuse any potential awkwardness among the cast and crew.”
Barrowman continued: “I’ve never been someone who’s embarrassed about his body so it didn’t bother me if anyone saw me naked. The motivation for what I’d call my ‘tomfoolery’ was to maintain a jokey atmosphere.”
“There was absolutely nothing sexual about my actions and nor have I ever been accused of that.”
He admitted that he was told to “grow up” by Doctor Who and Torchwood executive producer Julie Gardner after she received a complaint about the actor’s “antics”.
Barrowman, who acknowledged the “offence” his actions caused, also revealed he has sought therapy over the controversy as it was “upsetting” his mental health.
“I won’t discuss what I’ve said in therapy sessions – that’s a matter of doctor/patient confidentiality – but I don’t mind admitting it’s helped me a great deal,” he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments