Charge dropped against Rocky Horror Show actor Craig McLachlan
One charge has been dropped in the case against Gold Logie winning actor Craig McLachlan, but a magistrate today ruled he has a case to answer on 13 further charges of indecent assault and assault.
Police & Courts
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Another charge has been dropped in the indecent assault case against Rocky Horror Show actor Craig McLachlan.
The Gold Logie winner still faces seven charges of indecent assault and six of assault against four women during a run of the popular musical, in which Mr McLachlan played the lead role of Dr Frank-N-Furter.
One charge of attempted indecent assault, involving allegations Mr McLachlan tried to kiss one of the women on the lips on stage, was dismissed in Melbourne Magistrates Court today.
But magistrate Belinda Wallington ruled Mr McLachlan had a case to answer for 13 remaining charges, including allegations he traced his finger around the outline of another actress’ vagina during the performance of a “bedroom” scene.
He is also accused of kissing a co-star’s neck, breasts, stomach and buttocks on at least 20 occasions during performances.
Prosecutors said it was not part of the role Mr McLachlan was meant to perform.
In another instance, he is accused of kneeling before a woman in her dressing room and telling her she was beautiful and he could not stop thinking about her. She alleged Mr McLachlan then kissed her on the mouth and she was shocked and did not participate.
He is later accused of telling her he was “so embarrassed” and had “made a fool of myself”.
During one performance, Mr McLachlan also allegedly kissed and forced his tongue into the mouth of a co-star when it was not in the scene.
Afterwards, when the woman said she told him “don’t you ever do that to me again”, Mr McLachlan allegedly replied “you are nothing. I will end you”.
The court was previously told the Rocky Horror Show was a highly sexualised environment, both on and off stage.
Mr McLachlan was not in court today.
His lawyers earlier argued allegations against him either did not happen or did not amount to indecent assault.
The case is due back in court for further submissions on November 2.
Mr McLachlan previously launched defamation action in NSW against a former co-star, the ABC and the publisher formerly known as Fairfax Media.
That case was delayed until after criminal proceedings against the actor were finalised.
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