Seal under investigation for sexual assault and battery

Olusegun Adeola Samuel, a British singer-songwriter better known as Seal, has been accused of sexual misconduct by actress Tracey Birdsall.

Birdsall told TMZ that the incident occurred late 2016 when they were still neighbours and friends.

The actress said she had gone over to Seal’s house to retrieve her salad spinner when he forcefully made a move on her.

According to the website, Birdsall says she shouted, “What are you doing?” and the singer replied, “I’m kissing you”.

She said the singer began berating her for her outfit – tank top and shots – insinuating that she dressed in a sexually alluring manner before groping her breasts.

The actress said she demanded he stopped and he agreed, inviting her to the couch to sit down to which she said she complied out of “shock”.

Birdsall said once they both sat, he continued to criticise her outfit and made another attempt at her breasts. At this point, she said she got up and left the house.

The actress said she was encouraged to tell her story when she saw Seal call for victims of the #MeToo movement to come forward with their stories.

Birdsall said she has gone to the Los Angeles police to file a report of sexual battery against the singer. The police confirmed to TMZ that the case is under investigation.

The singer has strongly denied the allegations of sexual misconduct.

“Seal vehemently denies the recent accusations made against him by a former neighbor for alleged misconduct of more than a year ago, said a statement by the singer’s rep.

“He intends to vigorously defend himself against these false allegations.”