Footage showing Craig McLachlan acting like a ‘drunk uncle’ at the 2016 Logie Awards has re-emerged following allegations he sexually harassed several female colleagues during a 2014 musical.
McLachlan, 52, was widely criticised for his behaviour towards co-star Miranda Tapsell, 30, leading up to the announcement of the Silver Logie for Most Outstanding Supporting Actress at the awards show.
The pair began with a humorous dig at the large age gap between them, with McLachlan acting the part of the vain, older star, and Taspell knocking him down.
Towards the end of their presentation, McLachlan wrapped his arm around the popular actress, who appeared to wince at his touch.
Awkward footage of Craig McLachlan presenting an award at the 2016 Logie Awards has re-emerged in the wake of allegations of sexually inappropriate behaviour made against him
Three of McLachlan’s co-stars have come forward claiming he was sexually inappropriate and a bully during a 2014 production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show
During the presentation, the pair had kept their distance, with Taspell clutching her hands together or crossing her arms for the duration.
As the skit came to an end and the announcement of the nominees approached, McLachlan did not move away from the microphone, forcing Taspell to move in close to him to have her voice heard.
As she began reading the nominees, McLachlan let out a high-pitched laugh and awkwardly put his arm around her.
Clips of the audience during the announcement showed the awkwardness of the crowd, with many wincing or looking uncomfortable with the display.
During the majority of the presentation, McLachlan and actress Miranda Tapsell kept their distance, with the actress keeping her arms crossed or hands clutched together for the majority of it
As Tapsell began reading the nominees, McLachlan let out a high-pitched laugh and awkwardly put his arm around her
McLachlan has been accused of sexually inappropriate behaviour and bullying by three of his co-stars in a 2014 production of The Rocky Horror Picture show.
He has fiercely denied the allegations, describing the claims of actresses Erika Heynatz, Christie Whelan Browne and Angela Scundi as ‘baseless’.
As a result, the 52-year-old has stepped down from his role as Frank N Furter in the current production of the musical, as the production company behind it, the Gordon Frost Organisation, completes a ‘full internal investigation’.
Complaints have been made to Victoria Police, who are investigating the claims.
Victoria Police are investigating the claims made against McLachlan, and the actor has stepped down from his lead role in the current production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show