Chris Noth dropped from The Equalizer following allegations

Chris Noth has been dropped from US drama The Equalizer following sexual assault allegations made against him by two women.

Universal Television and CBS confirmed he would no longer be part of filming “effective immediately”.

Noth has played a former CIA director on the series which stars Queen Latifah. He will appear in at least one upcoming episode in the USA.

Two women accused Noth of sexual assault last week, describing similar alleged rapes by the 67-year-old actor more than a decade apart. Both say they met Noth in their early 20s.

Noth vehemently denied the allegations, which date back to 2004 and 2015. In a statement he called the claims “categorically false”. “These stories could’ve been from 30 years ago or 30 days ago – no always means no – that is a line I did not cross,” he said.

“The encounters were consensual. It’s difficult not to question the timing of these stories coming out. I don’t know for certain why they are surfacing now, but I do know this: I did not assault these women,” he added.

One of the women said his reprisal of his Mr Big character on the Sex and the City sequel, And Just Like That, prompted her to speak out.

Actors Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis said in a joint statement, “We are deeply saddened to hear the allegations against Chris Noth. We support the women who have come forward and shared their painful experiences. We know it must be a very difficult thing to do and we commend them for it.”

Noth has also been dropped by talent agency A3 Artists Agency, following the allegations.

A representative for Noth declined to comment other than to reiterate that the actor stands by his statement and his denial.

After a third woman came forward to accuse him of assault in 2010 a representative said the details of that report were “a complete fabrication” and that “Chris has no knowledge of who this individual is.”

The Equalizer airs in Australia on Nine.

Source: Variety, The Guardian