John Barrowman has broken his silence after a slew of claims of inappropriate behaviour on set during his time on Doctor Who, which led to his role as Dancing On Ice judge reportedly being axed.
Barrowman, 54, apologised for “high-spirited behaviour and tomfoolery” after accusations he had exposed himself on the set of Doctor Who, where he plays Captain Jack Harkness, though he said he did not recall specific incidents.
The Sun reported he will not be invited back to his judging spot on Dancing On Ice, where he has sat on the panel alongside Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean and Ashley Banjo since 2020.
In a video posted to his social media accounts, Barrowman said: “Hi everybody, it’s John here and I just want to say thank you very much to all of my fan family and everybody who has reached out with the countless messages of support over the last few weeks.
“It has meant such a great deal to me and has really touched me to know that people are supporting me and standing by me and sending their love and all their appreciation and kind words.”
He then wished his fans a happy bank holiday weekend, and said he hoped for the end of lockdown soon, adding: “Much love, thank you”.
He captioned the post: “A huge ‘Thank You’ to all of you who have reached out in support over the last few weeks. Jb”.
(Image: Getty Images)
A source recently told The Sun: “Ever since allegations against John came to light, discussions have been ongoing over his future on the panel of Dancing On Ice.
“But the feeling now is there is no way we can invite him back. ITV has shown they are prepared to act decisively when stars are accused of inappropriate behaviour.
“And it seems this situation will not be the exception to the rule.”
(Image: Matt Frost/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
In a public statement, Barrowman apologised for what he called “tomfoolery” and “high-spirited behaviour” and insisted it was not sexual in nature, adding he did not recall the specific incidents.
According to The Guardian, a number of people on the set claim to have seen the actor exposing himself while he appeared on the two BBC shows.
One of the women who spoke to The Guardian were quoted as saying: “He would get his genitals out on a regular basis.”
(Image: BBC)
(Image: BBC Studios/James Pardon)
Witnesses that came forward also maintained that Barrowman appeared to be pulling ‘inappropriate pranks’ rather than predatory, the publication reports.
Representatives for the actor said that Barrowman ‘did not recall’ the alleged incidents, and Barrowman said his “high-spirited behaviour” was “only ever intended in good humour to entertain colleagues on set and backstage”.
He added: “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.”
In 2008, Barrowman apologised after he pulled his trousers down during a BBC Radio 1 interview.
Originally from https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/john-barrowman-breaks-silence-after-24222653