Yahoo News Former Neighbours star Craig McLachlan accused of co-star sexual harassment
Note: The following article contains discussion of sexual misconduct allegations that some readers may find upsetting.
Former Neighbours star Craig McLachlan has been accused of sexual harassment by former co-stars from various projects, including one who starred with him on the Australian soap more than three decades ago.
The actor is suing media companies ABC and Nine, as well as his The Rocky Horror Show co-star Christie Whelan Browne over claims of exposing himself, bullying and harassment on the 2014 project.
He is suing for defamation in the New South Wales Supreme Court, as reported by The Western Australian, legal action that he began in 2018 but was put on pause when he was accused of assault and indecent assault against four women during the Rocky Horror production. He pleaded not guilty and was acquitted of those charges last year and has since restarted his defamation case.
His unnamed Neighbours co-star is serving as a witness for the defence, and has alleged in court on Friday (October 22) that McLachlan sexually harassed her, including by touching her breasts.
The case will be heard by a jury before going to a four-week trial presided over by Justice John Sackar, due to begin in May next year.
McLachlan has consistently denied all allegations against him, saying in an earlier statement: "Frankly, they seem to be simple inventions, perhaps made for financial reasons, perhaps to gain notoriety. In either event, they are to the best of my knowledge utterly and entirely false."
Digital Spy have reached out to McLachlan's representatives for further comment.
As well as Neighbours, McLachlan previously starred in Home and Away.
Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5 (UK) and Mondays to Thursdays at 6.30pm on 10 Peach (Australia).
Read more Neighbours spoilers on our dedicated homepage.
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, who work towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contact RAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
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