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'Neighbours' star Craig McLachlan says sexual assault claims ruined his life in tearful video

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 19:  Craig McLachlan arrives at the 2015 Sydney Theatre Awards at Paddington RSL on January 19, 2015 in Sydney, Australia.  (Photo by Don Arnold/WireImage)
Craig McLachlan was cleared of sexual assault in December 2020. (Getty Images)

Former Neighbours star Craig McLachlan says accusations of sexual assault have ruined his family's life.

The 55-year-old Australian actor — best known for playing Henry Ramsay in the soap — was cleared of seven charges of indecent assault and six of common assault in December 2020.

Ahead of his first interview since being acquitted, McLachlan has shared a video of his long-term partner, opera conductor Vanessa Scammell, in tears on his Instagram account.

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McLachlan is visibly angry and tearful as he shouts at the camera: "You see this is not just about a headline for the day, this is ruining lives.

"Not just me, you want to crucify me? Fine. Look what it's done to my beautiful partner, look what it continues to do to my family every day."

The video is a trailer for his first interview, since he was found not guilty, with Australian TV's 7NEWS Spotlight.

The musical theatre actor — who also starred in Home And Away and had a pop career in the 80s — was accused in 2018 by four women of sexual assault while working on The Rocky Horror Picture Show back in 2014.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15:  Craig McLachlan plays the role of Frank N Furter during a media call for The Rocky Horror Show at The Star on April 15, 2015 in Sydney, Australia.  (Photo by Don Arnold/WireImage)
Craig McLachlan as Frank N Furter in the production of 'The Rocky Horror Show' in Sydney, Australai in 2015. (Getty Images)

McLachlan was found not guilty following a trial last year. While delivering her verdict Magistrate Belinda Wallington praised the accusers for being “brave and honest witnesses” but decreed their testimony was not enough to prove intent on the part of McLachlan.

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The actresses had claimed he rubbed his genitals against them, engaged in impromptu on-stage kissing, and would sexually touch them in front of an audience when no one else could visibly see him.

McLachlan played Kylie Minogue's character's brother in Neighbours from 1987 to 1989 and had a No. 2 hit in the UK charts with 'Mona' in 1990. He competed in ITV's Dancing On Ice in 2011.

He has a son from his relationship with British actress Charlotte Avery.

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