Rocky Horror actor settles sexual harassment lawsuit

Actor Christie Whelan Browne has settled a sexual harassment lawsuit against the company behind a production of The Rocky Horror Show.

Whelan Browne alleged she was victimised by Oldfield Entertainment, previously known as GFO Entertainment, after making complaints she was sexually harassed by fellow actor Craig McLachlan.

The Federal Court lawsuit sought $2 million in damages from the firm, claiming it ignored her complaints and failed to provide a safe working environment, resulting in physical and mental injury.

"I have now settled my sex discrimination/sexual harassment case with Oldfield Entertainment, out of court," Whelan Browne said in a social media statement late on Wednesday.

"I am extremely happy with the outcome and that I was able to avoid the pain of another trial."

The terms of the settlement, including any payment, were not disclosed.

Whelan Browne was engaged as a lead actor to play the role of Janet Weiss in the Rocky Horror Show's 2014 run.

But she claims after going public with the allegations against McLachlan she experienced discrimination during the show and in Oldfield's responses to the complaints from 2017 onwards.

"The past 18 months has taken a huge toll on me," Whelan Browne said.

"But there will come a day, in the future, when I have healed, where I will be able to look back and be proud that I stood up for myself.

"There is nothing more to say on the subject. It's done. And I'm free."

Oldfield Entertainment has been contacted for comment.

Alleged abuse and harassment included McLachlan kissing her breasts and body on stage, touching her in a sexual manner, forcefully grabbing her face on stage and making sexualised comments about her and other cast members.

McLachlan has always denied claims of wrongdoing.

Despite complaints to director John Frost, resident director Leah Howard and stage director Dwan Delker, McLachlan was allowed to continue working at Oldfield, performing the role of Frank-N-Furter for the 2014 and 2015 runs of the show, the lawsuit claimed.

Whelan Browne said she was victimised and sexually discriminated against as the cast, crew and directors became cold towards her.

In December 2020, McLachlan was acquitted of four counts he sexually assaulted four women while playing Frank-N-Furter in 2014.

The Gold Logie winner cited mental health reasons when he dropped a defamation case in 2022 against Whelan Browne, Nine and the ABC over reports alleging sexual abuse.

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