A few weeks ago the bombshell story of actor/director Noel Clarke’s alleged sexual and mental abuse on women hit the press and his life was forever altered.

With stories such as this, other people are always caught in the vortex and eyes went to actor John Barrowman with whom Clarke worked with on Doctor Who spinoff Torchwood.

A video emerged of Clarke discussing Barrowman frequently exposing himself for the ‘amusement’ of people around him. The video is cringeworthy viewing to say the least, even more so due to who is telling the story. 

Immediately there were calls for him to be removed as a judge from ITV’s Dancing on Ice as it was a ‘family show’. Barrowman released a statement saying it was ‘tomfoolery’ and ‘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.’

Barrowman had indeed apologised back in 2008 after exposing himself in an interview with BBC Radio 1, reiterating this in his recent statement; ‘Since my apology in November 2008, my understanding and behaviour have also changed.’

Despite this, a decision has been made to remove a pre-recorded video Barrowman had filmed that was due to be shown as part of the forthcoming immersive Doctor Who: Time Fracture experience. 

Watching the Noel Clarke interview (below) it is clear that the fact Barrowman is gay is a huge aspect in this story. If this had been a straight man, the repercussions would have been far more severe, career ending even.

 Just because the women involved didn’t feel threatened, does it make it ok? Getting over excited and whacking your dick out in a work environment is unacceptable whatever sexuality you are.