John Barrowman Speaks About His Controversial Behavior On Doctor Who
John Barrowman has been accused of engaging in lewd behavior on both the Doctor Who and Torchwood sets. He's spoken out about the allegations
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John Barrowman might be remembered by Doctor Who and Torchwood fans for having played Captain Jack Harkness for years, becoming a favorite among those who followed the different series. But the actor has had some disturbing allegations leveled his way recently that threaten to tarnish some of the work he did on the various programs. He’s been accused of engaging in lewd behavior on the sets of the show, though has responded recently to the various allegations. He’s hoping that some of the behavior can be passed off in the “prank” category and did offer a rather formal explanation and apology for what happened.
The details of the behavior exhibited by John Barrowman date back to his time on Doctor Who and his subsequent role on the aforementioned Torchwood. In both stops, those involved with the show have claimed that Barrowman was in the habit of exposing himself on set, having staffers and others working on the shows look at his genitalia. There were multiple corroborated incidents in which this behavior took place and it was mentioned that it happened on the sets of both shows.
Apparently, according to those involved with the programs, John Barrowman was actually reprimanded at the time for this kind of behavior on set. When he was spoken to on Torchwood the behavior stopped right after that. The actor has not denied the behavior either. He’s come out and said that he did actually expose himself to others. His reasoning was that it was simply “tomfoolery” as he calls it and he never intended to offend anyone. This is still inexcusable behavior though. From this standpoint, it’s unclear if anything else will come of these incidents or if they will simply harm some of his ability to work in the future. Here’s what the actor had to say to The Guardian regarding the allegations:
“(My) high-spirited behaviour…(was) only ever intended in good humour to entertain colleagues on set and backstage. With the benefit of hindsight, I understand that upset may have been caused by my exuberant behaviour and I have apologised for this previously. Since my apology in November 2008, my understanding and behaviour have also changed.’
John Barrowman isn’t the only actor under fire right now for behavior on and off set from those working on Doctor Who in the early 2000s. There is a lengthier list of disturbing allegations leveled against Noel Clarke who played Mickey on the program. These allegations are where this story actually began, with multiple people coming out with incidents that paint a disturbing picture for the actor/ writer/ director.
While John Barrowman has said his behavior was in jest (it doesn’t make it appropriate, he’s just admitted to it), Noel Clarke is accused of multiple things regarding his treatment of others on set and off. There are reports of him both emotionally and maybe even physically abusing others during his time on Doctor Who and beyond. He’s been accused, among other things, of showing others sexually explicit photos, making sexually charged remarks, and more. These come from more than 20 women.
This is still a developing story and there’s a chance more people come out regarding both John Barrowman and Noel Clarke’s behavior on Doctor Who and other programs. The allegations have only seemed to ramp up in recent days and it appears the incidents have affected many in the industry. It’s unlikely this is the last we hear and it could mean the two could face more serious legal repercussions later.
