Stage and screen actress Christie Whelan Browne opens up on Craig McLachlan alleged sexual assault

Stage and screen actress Christie Whelan Browne says her life entered one of its ‘darkest’ periods after she accused famed actor Craig McLachlan of sexual assault.  

Despite people slamming her character, the 35-year-old told The Sydney Morning Herald this weekend she doesn’t regret her decision to publicly announce her allegations. 

‘I know that I’ll be proud I did it when it’s all over,’ she said. 

‘I don’t know how a person could be called the names that I’ve been called and be painted in a way and not be affected…I haven’t been able to hold on to that–to know who I am, know that I’m a good person.’

‘It has been hard. I’ve got some great friends who remind me every day that ‘you’ve done nothing wrong’. But it’s identity–who am I? Am I who someone else says I am?’ 

Christie Whelan Browne (pictured) came forward earlier in January, alleging she was assaulted by Craig McLachlan in 2014 during The Rock Horror Show production

Craig McLachlan, an award-winning actor and golden boy of the Australian theatre and television industry, is famous for his roles in Home and Away, Neighbours, and Doctor Blake Mysteries.

Earlier this year, two cast members lodged complaints with Victoria Police accusing the 52-year-old of alleged assault and sexual harassment.

In January, Ms Browne came forward and accused Mr McLachlan of assaulting her during the 2014 musical production of The Rocky Horror Show.

Ms Browne, who played the leading role of Janet, alleged Mr McLachlan had sexually assaulted her during the show, including a sex scene between the two actors.

Ms Browne alleged that Mr McLachlan went off script during the sex scene, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. 

The scripted choreography said Mr McLachlan, who played the male lead role of Dr Frank-N-Furter, had to kiss Ms Browne ‘down the neck and then disappear below the sheets’, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Ms Browne alleged that Mr McLachlan went off script during the sex scene in The Rocky Horror Show (pictured together)

Ms Browne alleged that Mr McLachlan went off script during the sex scene in The Rocky Horror Show (pictured together)

Craig McLachlan (pictured), award-winning actor and golden boy of the Australian theatre and television industry, is famous for his roles in Home and Away, Neighbours, and Doctor Blake Mysteries

Craig McLachlan (pictured), award-winning actor and golden boy of the Australian theatre and television industry, is famous for his roles in Home and Away, Neighbours, and Doctor Blake Mysteries

However, Ms Browne alleged that he instead ‘gradually moved to the breasts and down the stomach.’ 

‘So he would keep kissing as if he was going to keep going and I would have to swat him away,’ she claimed. 

Ms Browne alleges Mr McLachlan also pulled her underwear up ‘so her bum cheek was out’ during the tour’s run.

She also alleges that he made inappropriate comments about her vagina and once ‘traced the outline of my vagina with his finger’, forcing her to slap his hand away.

Mr McLachlan denies all allegations and sued Ms Browne, Fairfax Media, and the ABC for defamation.    

Now, Ms Brown is reportedly going back into acting, as she prepares to take on her first major role in the ABC comedy drama Mustangs FC. 



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