Photo by Jeff Busby
Following accusations made in the media Monday morning that he was ‘really calculated and very manipulative, a predator,’ actor Craig McLachlan has left the cast of cult musical, Rocky Horror Show.
A statement released on Monday afternoon by The Gordon Frost Organisation (GFO), the producers of Rocky Horror Show, said McLachlan and the GFO ‘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 cooperate fully with authorities.’
McLachlan, who is best known for roles in television programs including Neighbours and The Doctor Blake Mysteries, was playing the role of Dr Frank-N-Furter in the production.
Three of McLachlan’s fellow performers from the 2014 production of Rocky Horror Show, Christie Whelan Browne, Angela Scundi and Erika Heynatz, have told a Fairfax Media/ABC investigation about numerous instances of sexual harassment and bullying by the actor.
Prominent music theatre performer, Whelan Browne, told Fairfax Media’s Kate McClymont that McLachlan had indecently assaulted her during one performance, and that his behaviour escalated as the tour continued.
Heynatz said she was the target of unwanted sexual advances by McLachlan, and also witnessed him touching another female performer inappropriately.
Scundi too was the alleged target of unwanted and unprofessional sexual advances on and off stage.
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The women said their claims were reported to senior production staff, with Whelan Browne speaking directly with GFO’s Manging Director John Frost, but no action was taken. Two of them have reported McLachlan’s behaviour to police.
The joint investigation by Fairfax Media and the ABC has reported that the women’s allegations are being investigated by Victoria Police’s Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team.
The GFO statement said the organisation was ‘shocked’ to learn of the allegations against McLachlan, adding: ‘In order to clarify media reports, we wish to state that we were not aware of any details of these allegations until they were published in the media today … 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 part of our internal investigation.’
McLachlan has vehemently denied the allegations, saying in an email provided to the Sydney Morning Herald, ‘they seem to be simple inventions, perhaps made for financial reasons, perhaps to gain notoriety.’
He is the latest significant figure from the Australian media and entertainment industries to be accused of sexual harassment and bullying in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal and the #metoo movement. In November, television presenter Don Burke was accused of multiple counts of sexual harassment as part of the on-going Fairfax/ABC investigation.
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Last year, in a surprise move, the ABC dropped the high-rating The Doctor Blake Mysteries, the period drama in which McLachlan stars. It was subsequently picked up by the Seven Network, although yesterday the production company which makes the program, December Media, announced it had placed the production of a new series on hold.
In a statement, December Media said: ‘Craig has been central to this [program’s] success both in front of camera and on set. It is not appropriate for December to respond to the allegations about Craig McLachlan’s behaviour in relation to another production he has appeared in.
‘However, in the light of these allegations December Media will temporarily hold production preparations for the new series to allow due process.’
The statement continued: ‘December Media is committed to a safe and secure working environment. We do not tolerate any form of behaviour, which makes anyone feel threatened or uncomfortable for whatever reason in the workplace. December has policies and procedures in place to ensure all staff feel confident about reporting any issue or incident to management and can be assured that management will act swiftly.’
The ABC has also pulled the most recent series of The Doctor Blake Mysteries from iview in light of the allegations against McLachlan.
GFO’s statement adds: ‘These events will not affect the production across Australia of the Rocky Horror Show, and our excellent cast are looking forward to continuing to bring this production to Australian audiences as per the current schedule.’
The current production of the Rocky Horror Show is due to conclude at Adelaide Festival Centre on 13 January, after which it is scheduled to play at Queensland Performing Arts Centre from 18 January, Perth’s Crown Theatre from 17 February, and Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne from 13 July.
Note: Since the publication of this story late Monday afternoon, at least two more people have contacted police about McLachlan’s behaviour, according to Fairfax Media.
