Craig McLachlan denied reports of sexual misconduct as show production on hold
THE Rocky Horror Picture Show has sensationally dumped Craig McLachlan just days before it returns to the stage in the wake of claims of assault, sexual harassment and bullying against the star.
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THE Rocky Horror Picture Show has sensationally dumped Craig McLachlan just days before it returns to the stage in the wake of claims of assault, sexual harassment and bullying against the star.
Last night production company The Gordon Frost Organisation released a statement distancing itself from the alleged behaviour. “We have mutually agreed that it is not appropriate for him to continue in the current production of the show,” it said. McLachlan denies the claims.
Channel Seven and production company December Media have suspended production on McLachlan’s show, The Dr Blake Mysteries. A ratings juggernaut for the ABC, Dr Blake was mysteriously cancelled by the public broadcaster before being picked up by Channel Seven.
ACTOR CRAIG MCLACHLAN HAS DENIED REPORTS OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT AS VICTORIA POLICE INVESTIGATE
December Media released a statement saying production would be halted to allow “due process” to take its course.
“In the light of these allegations, December Media will temporarily hold production preparations for the new series to allow due process,” it said.
“December Media is confident that throughout the production of The Doctor Blake Mysteries there have been no incidents involving any member of cast or crew acting in any way inappropriately towards other cast and crew.”
Explosive revelations against the Gold Logie winner came to light this week.
Three female cast members from a 2014 performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show went public this week claiming that McLachlan inappropriately touched them or exposed himself. Victoria Police have confirmed they are investigating allegations of sexually inappropriate behaviour by the 52-year-old.
A fourth actor, Kerrie Anne Greenland, told The Daily Telegraph that McLachlan’s reputation was an “open secret” in theatre circles.
Greenland, who performed in Les Miserables in 2014, claims several cast members who worked with McLachlan complained to her of inappropriate behaviour.
“I know people were feeling very uncomfortable onstage and off stage and a lot of the women felt very uncomfortable during the (Rocky Horror) show,” she said.
After hearing the rumours, Greenland opted not to audition for a production of Rocky Horror, knowing McLachlan had been cast in the show.
“I just didn’t want to put myself in that position,” she said. “What I heard was powerful and I just didn’t want to be treated like that.”
McLachlan has denied any wrongdoing, saying his alleged victims have made up the accusations to further their own careers.
“They seem to be simple inventions, perhaps made for financial reasons, perhaps to gain notoriety,” he said.
Actor-turned-theatre producer Lisa Campbell was yesterday quick to throw her support behind the women accusing McLachlan.
“They have no reason to make this up,” she wrote in a statement retweeted by her husband David Campbell, currently starring in Gordon Frost Organisation’s Dream Lover.
Erika Heynatz
Played Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show. Claims McLachlan “straddled me on the couch, knee either side and started kissing my neck” in a green room at the Comedy Theatre. She alleges that in another incident, McLachlan visited her dressing room and said: “I can’t stop thinking about you.” Heynatz claims McLachlan then kissed her. She says: “I was almost paralysed … I was in shock.”
Angela Scundi
Played a phantom and was understudy for Heynatz’s role of Magenta. Claims McLachlan made inappropriate comments about her breasts and, while on stage wearing only boxer shorts “pushed his pelvis into me and moved around so I could feel his penis against my body”. In her dressing room, she alleges he stripped naked and said: “Don’t go, sorry, I’m just so comfortable.”
Christie Whelan Browne
Played Janet. Alleges McLachlan indecently assaulted her during the 2014 production of The Rocky Horror Show. During a sex scene, which happens underneath sheets, she claims McLachlan kissed her on the buttocks. She also claims, in another incident, he said he could see her vagina. McLachlan denies all allegations by the three women.
Originally published as Craig McLachlan denied reports of sexual misconduct as show production on hold