Craig McLachlan denied reports of sexual misconduct as show production on hold

ACTOR Craig McLachlan and the company behind The Rocky Horror Show have parted ways, while prod­uction on Dr Blake was suspended as police investigate sexual offence claims. The actor has vigorously denied the allegations.

THE Rocky Horror Show has sensationally parted ways with star Craig McLachlan after he was accused of sexual assault, harassment and bullying.

On Monday night, show producers the Gordon Frost Organisation said: “We have mutually agreed that it is not appropriate for him to continue in the current production.”

Members of the 2014 production of the hit musical have accused the Gold Logie winner of inappropriate behaviour, and have gone to police.

Victoria Police has confirmed it is investigating.

McLachlan has ­denied any wrongdoing.

Craig McLachlan in The Rocky Horror Show.

Channel 7 and production company December Media have also 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 Seven.

ACTOR CRAIG MCLACHLAN HAS DENIED REPORTS OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT AS VICTORIA POLICE INVESTIGATE

December Media said last night that 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.”

Those accusing McLachlan have also complained of inaction by the 2014 show’s production company, the Gordon Frost Organisation.

Erika Heynatz, Craig McLachlan and Christie Whelan Browne in 2014.

McLachlan’s 2014 Rocky Horror co-stars Erika Heynatz and Angela Scundi have gone to police, and have received legal advice.

Victoria Police said: “Detectives from Melbourne’s Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team are investigating allegations of sexual offences dating back to 2014. As the investigation is ongoing it would be inappropriate to make any further comments.”

Heynatz said while the show was in Melbourne, ­McLachlan “straddled me on the couch, knee either side and started kissing my neck”.

Scundi’s allegations are that McLachlan undressed in front of her in his dressing room, repeatedly commented about her breasts, and kissed her on stage in a sexual manner.

Co-star Christie Whelan Browne also said McLachlan harassed her, and she said she felt “completely broken.”

““It never felt good going public, but I can assure you, we tried many other avenues first,” Whelan-Browne said on social media yesterday.

“My hope is to spark a change. And change is hard.

“I have never in my life felt brave, until now. This was brave. We were brave,” Whelan-Browne said.

Her husband, actor Rohan Browne, also went on social media to support his wife.

“My wife, Christie, I applaud you. The courage to stand by your truth and make a change. I am in awe. I couldn’t love you more,” he said.

McLachlan has said his accusers made up the allegations to further their careers.

“They seem to be simple inventions, perhaps made for financial reasons, perhaps to gain notoriety,” he said.

The Herald Sun is not saying the allegations are true, just that they have been made.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY ANNABEL HENNESSY, COLIN VICKERY AND CATHERINE LAMBERT

Erika Heynatz

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

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

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.