In December, a Melbourne magistrate found Mr McLachlan not guilty of seven indecent assault charges and six common assault charges relating to his alleged conduct towards four women while playing the starring role of Frank-n-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show. It remains unfathomable that your life can unravel in an instant with unsubstantiated allegations and headlines, Ms Scammell said. Marta Jary For Daily Mail Australia. And that fire was the backstage culture of that show [The Rocky Horror Show]. I saw Craig standing there with a banana.. (modern). One of the many performance scenes in Seven's special. He denied he was suggesting they were making up their claims, saying he had not named anyone and at the time believed they were not asked back to the show. McLachlan ranted, in tears, before his partnerScammell attempted to soothe him, and asked the interview to be cut. Craig McLachlan outside a Sydney court. TVNZ TVNZ will air Spotlight: Craig McLachlan, an "explosive" interview with the Australian actor acquitted on sexual assault charges. For confidential support call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on: 13 11 14, By Ive worked with her before and I know her to be a credible and trustworthy young woman. Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out. In an explosive interview with 7NEWS Spotlight, the actor, 55, was seen in. The interviewer touches - verybriefly - on Magistrate Belinda Wallington's comments that McLachlan was not an impressive witness, and that the complainants were "strong, credible and reliable". When news broke that he would be criminally charged for the allegations, he checked into a mental hospital. Australian actor Craig McLachlan has been found not guilty of allegations that he assaulted four women during a Melbourne stage show. The defence document further alleges that at the end of three days of filming, Ms Hayes farewelled some of the cast and crew and left the studio to walk towards her car in the parking lot. (@lisa_aussiechic) May 16, 2021, While another viewer claimed the interview only highlighted McLachlans Narcissistic Personality Disorder.. "We have no idea what is to come of that, or where he stands. If you think you may be experiencing depression or another mental health problem, please contact your general practitioner. Craig McLachlan sat down with Channel 7 for a tell-all interview after being acquitted of sexual harassment allegations. The defence document details claims that when Tim Maddren, played opposite Mr McLachlan in The Rocky Horror "Brad bed scene", Mr McLachlan started a joke where he would take Mr Maddren's finger and simulate masturbation of it and pretend to give it oral sex. 21,846 views May 15, 2021 126 Dislike Share ABC News (Australia) 1.62M subscribers Five months after being acquitted of multiple indecent assault charges, more actors have come forward accusing. The reporting of these types of stories is something that is not taken lightly. Sign up here. McLachlan says he has not worked in three years, but revealed he will next appear in a one-man show about the life of country singer Hank Williams in South Australia. In December, McLachlan was found not guilty of seven indecent assault. On Thursday, after his side finished giving their evidence, it was revealed that McLachlan had failed to hand over 4000 emails, texts and photos which had been extracted from his iPhone 3 by a forensic firm in November 2018. Ms Norfolk also alleges Mr McLachlan asked her to attend his dressing room during an interval to fix his microphone. Starts at 60 is just for over-60s. Last night, 1.1 million Australians tuned in to watch 7NEWS Spotlight: Craig McLachlan. We're introduced to the actor, looking dishevelled, saying it's March 2019 and there has been no resolution or vindication when it comes to the allegations against him. We all had a stick in that fire, me included. Image: Seven. 'This girl actively maintained and pursued a friendship. The allegations became public after one of his alleged victims went public following the worldwide scandal involving disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein. During the tell-all interview, McLachlan cried, ranted and raged about the allegations, which he still strenuously denies. 'Let's just say that I miscalculated. However, she ultimately rejected police allegations the former Neighbours star touched a womans genitalia over her costume on stage, that he stuck his tongue into one womans mouth and that he felt up a womans thigh. #craigmclachlan #channel7, aussiechic ???????????? As you can imagine, we have a lot to say. ", 'In this post-Weinstein hashtag-me-too world-gone-mad, I can't win.'. Not only did we continue to work together, we continued to work together and have, and I'm speaking for me 'You know, we had a great time together in 2016. He explains that "this girl actively maintained and pursued a friendship," after he worked with her on Grease, and then the Rocky Horror Show. Image: Seven. Perhaps there are insights to be gleaned from McLachlan's story. McLachlan took aim at the #MeToo campaign, saying the climate it had created forced people to support women. Outrage over bizarre Channel 7 interview with Craig McLachlan. In the era of #MeToo what the hell are @Channel7 doing giving air time to #CraigMcLachlan? 'I want it noted the following: The four complainants were brave and honest witnesses. In delivering the judgment in December 2020, Victorian Magistrate Belinda Wallington made a number of unusual statements. In an explosive interview with 7NEWS Spotlight, which aired on Sunday, the actor, 55, was seen in self-filmed video clips, sitting on what he called the 'Will I? 13:43 BST 17 May 2021. 17:30 BST 23 May 2021. McLachlan and Vanessa Scammel, his partner of 10 years, finally tell their story. 'Before the haters say you were acquitted because you are guilty, the f**k I am. 'She ran out of a caf on the corner in Potts Point in Sydney. And it's pretty good,' he said in the clip. And then I'll do what I have to do. 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The allegations became public after one of his alleged victims went public following the worldwide scandal involving disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein. This can happen to anyone. says #CraigMcLachlan. For confidential support call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on: 13 11 14, By Their second smoking gun is audio of a senior Fairfax journalist saying (again, out of context), "ultimately, we want him (McLachlan) out of that job.". The broadcaster reportedly paid McLachlan more than $200,000 to air the diary later this month, along with an exclusive interview. In the industry everyone loved him including myself, he said. The Channel 7 interview, which aired on Sunday night, was Mr McLachlans first interview since his acquittal. The woman, I kid you not, [she was] shielding her children from me as I walked past. Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Anna Samson is an actress on Channel 7's hit soapHome and Away. The one I worked with for two years? Craig McLachlan is gearing up for his first tell-all interview since being acquitted of indecent assault and assault charges in December. I burst into tears and I rang Nessa and said 'How am I going to survive this?'. Broadcast: Mon 31 May 2021, 8:50pm Published: Mon 31 May 2021, 9:22pm More Information Judgment, Magistrate's Court of Victoria, R v McLachlan, 15 December, 2020 Transcript The fresh support from Mr Lawrence emerged a week after McLachlan has shared shocking footage of the moment he contemplated taking his own life. ", "McLachlan's conduct in kissing Wouters down the stomach once out of sight of the audience was unnecessary for the performance of the Janet Bed Scene, was not scripted or directed.". It's unclear whether it's evidence of the ABC 'coaching' victims, or simply a producer helping a woman paraphrase what she's been trying to say. Fordham said during his radio on Monday I know Tamzen HayesI believe her. All rights reserved. Thompson told the jury that up until about 2017 McLachlan had a very good reputation and was incredibly successful. McLachlan's partner Vanessa is playing piano and we're shown sweeping shots of the beach. It was a very inoffensive gag. The defamation trial had been postponed until the criminal proceedings in Melbourne finished and is now expected to proceed. . Hayes felt uncomfortable and a number of further takes were required to complete the scene as a result of McLachlan's conduct. Nothing says 'false allegations' like lightning. "Steele was very young and nervous. 'When the story first broke and I went shopping for my dear mum, a woman spotted me in the shop and called her two kids over [to her]. One of the women interviewed on the 7.30 Report. Mr McLachlan was not part of the scene and was asked to attend hair and makeup. At the end of last year, McLachlan was found not guilty of seven indecent assault charges and six common assault charges relating to seven alleged incidents. Oh, I really miss you, Craig. With lightning. And then I'll do what I have to do. Craig McLachlan and his long-time partner, Vanessa Scammell Credit: Don Arnold / WireImage Watch Spotlight on Channel 7 and stream it for free on 7plus >> Overnight, that all changed - and the fallen star was self-exiled to a shipping container and eventually admitted to a mental health facility after a failed suicide attempt. Your mate always, JJ., Jarratt also referred to one of the witnesses against his friend as Tampon. Why would a group of female performers and journalists target him in a "campaign" to ruin his life? , updated But then the interviewer brings up the analogy of there being "no smoke without fire" and McLachlan takes that metaphor to its logical conclusion. Nationwide News Pty Ltd 2023. She described the four complainants as brave and honest witnesses who had not colluded and were not motivated by career ambition. McLachlan said he felt like his family and girlfriend, conductor Vanessa Scammell, who also appeared in the 7NEWS Spotlight special, would be 'better off without me'. McLachlan also was shocked the way the industry turned its back on him, Thompson said. Except for me and our close team. Actor Craig McLachlan breaks down alongside girlfriend Vanessa Scammel and claims their lives have been 'ruined' in tell-all interview teaser - after being found not guilty of sexually assaulting his co-stars, 'I was public enemy number one': Craig McLachlan breaks down after being acquitted of sexual harassment as his girlfriend says he was 'abandoned by everybody' in new trailer for tell-all interview, Craig McLachlan tried to kill himself after being accused of sexual harassment and admits he felt like his family would be 'better off without me', 'I didn't have to ask, I knew it wasn't true': Craig McLachlan's partner breaks her silence on the 'trauma and devastation' they faced before he was acquitted of sexual harassment, Attempting to explain the outburst,Scammell told the interviewers: ', 'We're not your enemies!' McLachlans case finished on Thursday and the defendants will begin calling their witnesses on Friday. Anyone who understands Narcissistic Personality Disorder will see right through this performance. On the Sunday night, before the 7.30 Report ran on Monday January 8, 2018, McLachlan says he stood on stage at the Rocky Horror Show and heard the crowd's cheers. Meghan Markle may have been a relative unknown to the royal family before marrying Harry, but the Windsors certainly werent unknown to her. McLachlan says he's very in love with his partner, to which the disembodied voice of his interviewer replies: "the suggestion is that you weren't in love enough in 2014. Who edited this. To curate to the needs and wants of over-60s online and get members a better deal wherever possible through the power of our huge online community. That man will never again hold the regard of women. The actor, 55, was seen in self-filmed video clips, sitting on what he called the 'Will I? 'I would sit there because really at that point, all you can think about is, 'Nessie is going to be better off. A hearing date has not yet been set. The defamation trial had been postponed until the criminal proceedings in Melbourne finished and is now expected to proceed. "Hayes was wearing underwear and covered by a sheet. McLachlan later stormed of of the interview in tears, after claiming he had remained friends with one of his accusers for years after the alleged assault. The document released this week by the Supreme Court isthe ABC's defence to Mr McLachlan's defamation claim. His partner, Vanessa, argues that the presumption of innocence in this countryhas gone. In an explosive interview with 7NEWS Spotlight, which aired on Sunday, the actor, 55, was seen. A media law expertexplains, Unforgettable life: Shock and sadness after TV chef Jock Zonfrillo dies, Super discrimination worsens for women as the gender gap widens in key age groups, He lived fashion: Met Gala costume extravaganza inspired by designer Karl Lagerfeld retrospective, More than 800,000 may flee Sudan violence, says UN, Home values rise as housing market downturn wanes, Search for missing man continues after body found, Trump accuser defends rape claim after mistrial denied. In a 105 page decision, Melbourne Magistrate Belinda Wallington found McLachlan not guilty of all charges. Craig McLachlan Episode 12 Shrub O'Clock: Hedging your head 260 views Craig McLachlan Episode 11 Shrub O'Clock: Tour de Shrub 174 views Craig McLachlan Episode 10 Shrub O'Clock: Beefy 2K. She did not fix his microphone and walked out of the dressing room," the document says. When was the last time I woke up in the morning and smiled?'. It feels like an advertisement for him as an actor. My family will be better off without me.' Mr McLachlan, 55, had consistently denied seven charges. This was not scripted or directed. Reporters in Australia are being accused of engaging in egregious journalistic malpractice after newly obtained footage allegedly shows them coaching answers from women making sexual assault allegations against Australian actor Craig McLachlan.Raw camera tapes from the interviews, conducted by the Australian Broadcasting Company and Fairfax Media, Watch, Stream & Catch Up with your favourite 7NEWS Spotlight: Craig McLachlan episodes on 7plus. By Since then, the 55-year-old has appeared on Home and Away, McLeod's Daughters and The Wrong Girl. We're shown behind-the-scenes footage of the ABC interviews - that aired on the 7.30 Report in 2018 - stopping and starting. 'Through the little slits in the curtain, we can see the position of their legs and which way they're facing,' Mr Lawrence told the program on Sunday night. It was a bit of a sight gag, she said. I read the shit, its pathetic. Nonetheless,before each ad break, viewers were also shown the words 'Horror Show' up in lights with a sting of horror music, so the producers clearly wanted that concept interwoven. Ms Steele was asked to drive Mr McLachlan to Melbourne Airport at the end of a costume fitting at Southbank. Craig McLachlan was loved by everyone in the entertainment industry until he was shunned after media reports accused the actor of indecent assault and harassment, a defamation trial has been told. This particular footage is replayed several times throughout the show, implying that Seven, at least, believes it's a smoking gun. The 55-year old actor is now suing the ABC, Fairfax (now part of Nine) and an actress for defamation over 2018 reports that he indecently assaulted, harassed and bullied his fellow cast members. Get exclusive deals, discounts, news and more made just for you. It is outrageous. The defamation case was stayed pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings, and the witnesses have yet to give evidence about the allegations in the ABC's defence. What? The f**k I am!' ", "Hope your lives are good. A member of the crew commented with words to the effect of 'Come on Craig, we need to get this shot'. He says he remembers thinking he'd never hear people cheering for him again. ButSeven's special was a lesson in how not to approach a story that's profoundly sensitive. She said while she accepted some of their evidence, she was not persuaded beyond a reasonable doubt that McLachlan knew they were not consenting. The power dynamic was very mismatched.". Victoria Police later charged him with seven counts of indecent assault and six counts of common law assault against four women on the set of the Rocky Horror Show in 2014. The problem is this feels like a musical-drama written by Craig McLachlan. Marta Jary For Daily Mail Australia This is. Ms Hayes played the role of Virginia McKay in season two of Dr Blakein 2014 and was on set for three days of filming. log'. He believes this timing was deliberate to get him out of his job. There was an error submitting the form. Just to clarify, that's objectively not the suggestion. 'That broke my heart. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. "From megastar to alleged monster, Craig McLachlan's life changed in an instant" the voiceover says and it's unclear why the person scripting that line wanted a rhyme in there so badly. Subscribe for free to get the latest breaking news and analysis sent to your inbox. He had endured months of scrutiny which saw him and his partner Vanessa forced to make their way through media packs outside of a Melbourne court. Mr McLachlan is suing the ABC, Fairfax (now part of Nine)and an actress for defamation over reports in 2018 that he indecently assaulted, harassed and bullied his fellow cast members during the 2014 tour of The Rocky Horror Show. And waves. In this post-Weinstein hashtag-me-too world-gone-mad, I can't win,' he said. Lorna Knowles from ABC Investigations reports.ABC News provides around the clock coverage of news events as they break in Australia and abroad, including the latest coronavirus pandemic updates. "What a f*cking joke," he says. McLachlan later stormed of of the interview in tears, after claiming he had remained friends with one of his accusers for years after the alleged assault. Australian actor Craig McLachlan can be seen breaking down in the trailer for his upcoming emotionally-charged interview. As even a 100 percent acquitted, innocent man, I feel I I continue to be f**ked over, day, after day, after day, by our friend. Given the sensitivity of the subjectmatter. Thompson was giving evidence at the New South Wales supreme court defamation lawsuit brought by McLachlan against the ABC, Fairfax and the actor Christie Whelan Browne over 2018 articles accusing McLachlan of touching, kissing and groping actors without permission in The Rocky Horror Show, Neighbours, City Homicide and The Doctor Blake Mysteries. McLachlan stormed away, screaming from off camera: 'F**k people. Before the interview had even begun, furious viewers took to social media to slam both the actor and the TV station and continued throughout the screening, with many saying they had to change the channel. After a week of dramatic promos, Seven has now confirmed its exclusive interview with actor Craig McLaclan will air this Sunday. Later in the interview, the actor also shared footage of the shipping container he spent time living in while out of work and in hiding. "He also moved as if to tickle her. Some of theallegations against Craig McLachlan happened during his time starring in The Rocky Horror Show, but he says the false accusations against him were a horror show for him. Police had alleged McLachlan either indecently assaulted or assaulted four complainants in Melbourne between April 26, 2014 and July 13, 2014. The actor was admitted to what he called a 'mental hospital' following the attempt on his life. The Australian actor has always maintained his innocence. McLachlan ranted, in tears, before his partnerScammell attempted to soothe him, and asked the interview to be cut. His long-term partner, Vanessa Scammell, also makes a brief appearance in the trailer where she says McLachlan has been abandoned by everybody. Get The New Daily free every morning and evening. The document alleges in 2008, Mr McLachlan harassed 22-year-old Josie Steele who was working as a runner on the TV show City Homicide. Actor Craig McLachlan is set to return to performing, more than 3 years after allegations surrounding The Rocky Horror Show in 2014 made headlines.. McLachlan will star as Hank Williams in a one man play, Nobody Lonesome For Me, to be directed by Terry Serio in Adelaide later this year. In the last week, more allegations against McLachlan have surfaced. His partner, Vanessa Scammell, was by his side for weekend media interviews as she made it clear she believes him. Copyright 2023 The New Daily. The lyrics are all about this particularaccuser and how she hurt him and he thought they were friends. I was public enemy number one. Referring to the thigh-touching incident, she said, "I'm unable to exclude the possibility that an egotistical, self-entitled sense of humour led the accused to genuinely think that [the co-star] was consenting to his actions.". The woman does notrepeat the words of the ABC producer, and instead uses her own words to point to McLachlan's influence. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is at 800-273-8255 or chat for support. McLachlan was cleared of seven counts of indecent assault and six counts of common law assault in December . This doesn't seem relevant. McLachlan says the ABC contacted him the day before they were going to air the allegations about him, asking for an interview by midday the next day. While Magistrate Wallington said she accepted some of the complainants' evidence, she said it did not meet the high criminal standards required to prove the charges. "Norfolk went to Mr McLachlan's dressing room at the interval as requested and found McLachlan sitting on his chair naked. The court only learnt of this potentially vital haul of material after he was heard boasting about it in raw footage recorded during his tell-all interview with Channel 7s Spotlight program. The explosive interview with Craig McLachlan, acquitted . 'There's an en suite and dunny down the end. I am sitting here today, 100 per cent acquitted, Im an innocent man, McLachlan says on Channel 7s Spotlight: Horror Show, which will air at 7pm on Sunday. Video via Channel Seven "Even as a 100 per cent innocent, acquitted man, I feel I continue to be f*cked over day after day - by our friend," he says through tears. The whole world is sick of this pathetic bullshit. As McLachlan and his partner retell a story about one of the alleged victims rushing out of a cafe to hug them and say how good it was to see them - just six weeks before the allegations would come out - I notice something. The document, released to the ABC this week by the NSW Supreme Court, also alleges that Mr McLachlan bullied and intimidated actor Tim Maddren, who played the role of Brad in The Rocky Horror Show. "While seated on the edge of the couch, McLachlan repeatedly asked Wouters to kiss him by repeatedly tapping his finger on his lips and saying in a whiney tone words to the effect 'Can I have a little kiss? Or, at least, they didn't dedicate enough airtime to his answers. When was the last time I woke up in the morning and smiled?'. She felt very awkward and uncomfortable about her interaction with McLachlan for the entire trip. And that's when she made an interesting observation: "Were the current law applicable, it is possible the result may have been different. The document containing the allegations was released this week by the Supreme Court, and is part of the ABCs defence to Mr McLachlans defamation claim. Picture: Channel 7 A January 2018 report by Fairfax and the ABC first reported allegations McLachlan had been accused of sexually harassing several actresses. I'm an innocent man," the former Gold Logie winning soapie heart-throb told Spotlight viewers just over a year ago, months after being acquitted of criminal charges of indecent assault and assault in December 2020. The jury did not get to hear these exchanges, including this one from Jarratt to McLachlan. If you're based in Australia, please contactLifeline13 11 14 for support orbeyondblue1300 22 4636. He was very pleasant, welcoming, friendly, fun and hard working. The defence document also details allegations that during the 2014 production of The Rocky Horror Show, Mr McLachlan twice groped the breasts of 24-year-old sound technician Sophie Norfolk while they were backstage. Victoria Police later charged him with seven counts of indecent assault and six counts of common law assault against four women on the set of the. Actor Craig McLachlan has opened up about his fall from grace for the first time. Youre going to defam the C---s so theyre going to chuck everything at you. The helplessness of being accused and feeling as though you have no recourse to clear your name. The Channel 7 interview, which aired on Sunday night, was Mr McLachlan's first interview since his acquittal. Hewas found not guilty of all charges in a 105 page decision by magistrate Belinda Wallington, which had related to his time starring in the Rocky Horror Picture Show and left him on the brink of suicide. "Hayes was in shock and did not know what to do. I'll write a long letter make sure Nessie and my son, my family, are looked after.