Two more point finger at McLachlan
ACTOR Craig McLachlan has stepped down from his role in the stage production of The Rocky Horror Picture
Show and two more people have allegedly contacted police with complaints of sexual misconduct against him.
Production of the TV show The Doctor Blake Mysteries,
which also stars McLachlan, has been suspended.
Fairfax Media and the ABC said at least two more people had contacted police after three cast members of the 2014 production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show
alleged they were inappropriately touched, harassed and bullied by the former
Neighbours star while working with him.
McLachlan has vigorously denied the claims.
The popular actor emailed Fairfax Media saying the claims were “baseless” and seemed “to be simple inventions, perhaps made for financial reasons, perhaps to gain notoriety”.
“These allegations are ALL made up,” he said.
Victoria Police confirmed on Monday it was investigating complaints made about McLachlan.
Producers from Rocky
Horror’s production company, the Gordon Frost Organisation, released a statement on Monday saying they were shocked to hear of the allegations.
“We take these allegations very seriously and have always endeavoured to prioritise a safe working environment,” the statement said.
“In response, we have spoken to Craig and have mutually agreed that it is not appropriate for him to continue in the current production of the show.
“We will be conducting a full internal investigation and will co-operate fully with authorities.
“While we clearly cannot comment on the details of this particular case, sexual assault in any form is unacceptable, and we will work diligently within this industry to support the right of all people to be protected in the workplace, and stand by those who are victims of inappropriate behaviour.
“We can also confirm that our records show the claimants at no time made any complaint – formal or informal – to the company manager or executive producer of The Rocky
Horror Show in 2014. “Furthermore no one at GFO recalls any verbal discussion of this nature.
“It would be distressing to us if anyone within our company was dismissive of sexual assault allegations, and this will form a part of our internal investigation.” McLachlan was with The
Rocky Horror Show in Adelaide.
It was due to finish there on Saturday and open in Brisbane on Wednesday.
December Media, producer of The Doctor
Blake Mysteries, said in a statement it was confident there had “been no incidents involving any member of cast or crew acting in any way inappropriately towards other cast or crew”.