Craig McLachlan abandons return to the stage amid backlash

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Craig McLachlan has abandoned a controversial comeback to the stage following a widespread social media backlash when it was announced earlier this month.

McLachlan was due to star in a touring production of the comedy Cluedo, produced by John Frost, from January.

Craig McLachlan has pulled out of the upcoming production of Cluedo.

In 2018, the former star of Neighbours, Home & Away and the Doctor Blake Mysteries was alleged to have indecently assaulted and sexually harassed female performers during a 2014 stage production of The Rocky Horror Show.

McLachlan launched defamation proceedings in 2018 against The Sydney Morning Herald, the ABC and performer Christie Whelan Browne over reports about the allegations.

Craig McLachlan has pulled out of the upcoming theatre production of Cluedo.

On December 15, 2020, McLachlan was found not guilty of criminal charges relating to his alleged conduct during The Rocky Horror Show.

McLachlan was acquitted of seven charges of indecent assault relating to seven alleged incidents involving four women, as well as being acquitted of related assault charges.

Magistrate Belinda Wallington found the criminal charges were not established beyond reasonable doubt under the laws that applied at the time, but said that “were the current law applicable, it is possible that the result may be different”. She described the four complainants as “brave and honest witnesses”.

Craig McLachlan in the "Rocky Horror Picture Show".

McLachlan abruptly abandoned the defamation case in 2022, before the media organisations and Whelan Browne had called their 11 witnesses to give evidence. He was ordered to pay legal costs, reportedly in the order of $2 million.

In an emotional video statement posted to Facebook on Tuesday, McLachlan accused his critics of bullying and treating unfairly the other two actors who had signed on for Cluedo - theatre veterans Genevieve Lemon and Grant Piro.

“A focused social media campaign was deployed from within the theatre community, aggressively targeting those two actors named alongside me, members of the production team, the director of the production, not to mention everyday individuals who just simply expressed their delight at my return to mainstream theatre,” he said in a statement.

“The bullying even extends to my partner, Vanessa and our friends and family. I cannot and will not let my involvement in a show result in good people being targeted by trolls and bullies. I have therefore made the decision to withdraw from the production.”

Producer John Frost issued an apology for his casting decision.

“Craig McLachlan’s theatrical stage return wasn’t well received by some of the industry and public,” he said in a statement. “The resulting impact on others involved has prompted his withdrawal from the production. I have listened to the feedback and as producer, whilst it was my initial casting decision, I understand the opposing sentiment and I am sorry for any distress this decision has caused.”