Craig McLachlan ‘suffered mental distress’ over abuse claims: Court docs

Craig McLachlan became “reclusive” and “suffered severe mental anxiety and distress” after news outlets published claims of sexual misconduct against him just months ago, a court was told on Friday.

The actor has launched legal proceedings against the ABC and Fairfax, claiming that an investigation alleging he sexually harassed a number of women during a 2014 Australian production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show defamed him.

He first began the legal action in February, when the media companies and their defence, led by barrister Lyndelle Barnett, were given until May 4 to file a defence. However, according to the ABC, Barnett has now told the Supreme Court of New South Wales that it had been delayed because, in part, more alleged victims had come forward.

Barnett was in court to apply for more time to prepare their defence, but McLachlan’s legal team reportedly responded with an affidavit, insisting it had already dragged on for months, which should be plenty of time to gather witnesses.

The ABC reports the affidavit, from McLachlan’s solicitor Mark O’Brien, claimed when the actor was told about the latest development, he replied: “I cannot believe they still need to look for witnesses five months after ruining my life.”

The legal document reportedly goes on to claim the theatre star “rarely leaves home” and has “virtually no contact with friends, relatives or former entertainment colleagues”. Nine News reports it also claimed he had “suffered severe mental anxiety and distress”, while his acting career has been “effectively destroyed”. 

Barnett reportedly claims, since the initial legal proceedings were announced in February, other alleged victims have come forward with allegations dating back to the 1990s. She said they needed more time to study “a lot of information”.

While she asked for a deadline of June 1 to file the defence, Justice Lucy McCallum allegedly refused the request and set a new deadline of May 24.

The initial report by Fairfax Media and the ABC alleged McLachlan indecently assaulted several women, sexually harassed them, intimidated and bullied them while he starred as Dr Frank-N-Furter in the play. 

He was later accused of harassing women on the set of Doctor Blake, although an independent investigation cleared him of those allegations. McLachlan has denied there is any truth to the remaining allegations against him, hence why he’s currently in court.

Starts at 60 has contacted McLachlan’s legal team for comment.

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