One day after allegations of sexual misconduct against long-time actor Craig McLachlan came to light, The Doctor Blake Mysteries has suspended production. Craig has held the lead role as Dr Lucien Blake for five successful seasons.
December Media, who produces the show, said they were “confident … there have been no incidents involving any member of cast or crew, acting in any way inappropriately towards other cast or crew”, according to ABC News.
“In the light of these allegations December Media will temporarily hold production preparations for the new series to allow due process.
“December Media is committed to a safe and secure working environment. We do not tolerate any form of behaviour, which makes anyone feel threatened or uncomfortable for whatever reason in the workplace.”
WATCH: Craig talks about his role in the Rocky Horror Show (story continues after video)
Craig played Dr Frank N. Furter in the Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Doctor Blake Mysteries was axed from the ABC last year and then picked up by Channel Seven. An ABC spokesman said they hadn’t received complaints about Craig’s behaviour while the show was being made. The network has, however, decided to withdraw the show from its streaming service iView and pull a repeat of the telemovie from its January 25th schedule.
Craig, 52, has also stepped down from The Rocky Horror Picture Show after former Home and Away star Erika Heynatz, Christie Whelan Browne and Angela Scundi came forward saying the actor had “abused, harassed or assaulted” them during the 2014 stage show.
Two more former crew members, a man and a woman, have also gone to the Victoria Police with complaints of his behaviour.
Craig as Doctor Blake
Craig, who appeared on Neighbours, has vehemently denied the claims, telling The Herald, “I have NEVER done anything like this.”
“Frankly, they seem to be simple inventions, perhaps made for financial reasons, perhaps to gain notoriety,” he told the ABC.
“In either event, they are to the best of my knowledge utterly and entirely false.”
Actresses Christie, Erika and Angela all appeared on the ABC’s 7.30 program, detailing the allegations.
Christie, who also worked alongside Craig in The Wrong Girl, shared her experiences: “I had to be on stage with him in a bed, an upright bed, and I was wearing just bra, undies and garter and … he was pretending to go down on me, that was the scene,” she said.
“But he was directed to kiss down my neck, down my arm and then go down, out of sight. But he would always kiss down my breasts and continue to kiss all the way down until I would have to sort of move and wriggle away.”
“I had to turn facing away from him and one night he pulled my underpants to the side so that my right butt cheek was out and he was kissing all around it.”
Christie had to work with Craig again during The Wrong Girl
Angela said during an ABC interview: “There were multiple incidences where he would try and put his hands up women’s costumes or down their pants.”
“And it was always when they could be seen by the audience and he couldn’t.”
Erika also alleged that she “experienced unwanted sexual advances from the star.” You can read more about the ladies’ statements here.
