Chris Noth out at 'The Equalizer' amid sex assault claims

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Chris Noth will no longer be part of the CBS series 'œThe Equalizer'ť in the wake of sexual assault allegations against the actor.

Universal Television and CBS made a joint announcement Monday that Noth would no longer be part of filming 'œeffective immediately.'ť

Noth has played a former CIA director on 'œThe Equalizer,'ť which stars Queen Latifah. Noth will appear in at least one upcoming episode.

Noth's representatives had no immediate comment on 'œThe Equalizer'ť decision.

Two women accused Noth of sexual assault in a story reported last week by The Hollywood Reporter. Noth vehemently denied the allegations, which date back to 2004 and 2015.

'œThe accusations against me made by individuals I met years, even decades, ago are 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,'ť Noth said in a statement to the Reporter.

One of the women who accused Noth of assaulting her said his reprisal of his Mr. Big character on the 'œSex and the City'ť sequel 'œAnd Just Like That'¦'ť prompted her to speak out about the actor.

Noth's demise in the first episode of the show led to widespread attention.

Series stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon and Kristin Davis issued a joint statement Monday on social media saying they were saddened by the allegations against Noth but supported his accusers.

'œWe support the women who have come forward and shared their painful experiences,'ť a statement signed by the three read. 'œWe know that it must be a very difficult thing to do and we commend them for it.'ť