Actor Christie Whelan Browne hits back against online hate amid starring role in The Castle stage show

An Australian stage and screen star is hitting back at online haters just days after celebrating the announcement of the new cast for the hotly anticipated stage show of The Castle.

On Tuesday it was announced award-winning musical theatre star Christie Whelan Browne had been cast as Sal Kerrigan, the loving matriarch of the Kerrigan family, in the adaptation of the much-loved Australian movie.

Only a day later, Whelan Browne was defending herself on social media from comments attacking her.

In 2018 Whelan Browne was among several actors who made allegations against The Rocky Horror Show co-star Craig McLachlan, who was ultimately acquitted of criminal charges.

“Moments like the announcement of The Castle don’t come along every day,” Whelan Browne said.

“After everything that has happened over the past several years, I should be able to feel excited about this opportunity, celebrate my work and share that excitement with the people who have supported me throughout my career.

“Instead, I am watching the comments on these announcements being flooded with personal attacks, with people repeating claims about me that are untrue and suggesting that I am the one who should be removed from a production because I am supposedly incapable of behaving professionally. The irony of that is devastating.”

Whelan Browne and several other actors had come forward to police in 2018 with allegations award-winning Australian actor Craig McLachlan committed multiple sexual offences while performing in the hit stage musical The Rocky Horror Show in 2014.

In 2020, McLachlan was acquitted of criminal charges relating to those allegations.

“I have spent 21 years working professionally in this industry. I know what it means to show up, do the work and be accountable for myself,” Whelan Browne said.

“Yet people who don’t know me ... feel entitled to define my character and question my place in the very industry I have dedicated so much of my life to.”

Whelan Browne said she was tired of having her professional achievements overshadowed by an incident she “never wanted to become the defining feature of my life”.

“I am tired of having to defend my character when I should be allowed to get on with my career. And I am tired of watching a moment that should be joyful become another reminder,” she said.

Whelan Browne said despite claims she should let any negativity “roll off her back”, the comments have made an impact and “it stings. Terribly”.

“I want to be able to celebrate my work without being dragged back into this,” she said.

“I want my 21 years in this industry to count for something.”

A wave of support flooded Whelan Browne’s post.

“You did the correct thing! I am proud of you,” one person said.

“Oh love, you are the perfect person for the part, I couldn’t imagine anyone else. Please don’t let the words of a few impact the praise of many,” said another.

“What do you call that darl? Oh that’s misogyny love, tell ‘em they’re dreamin’,” said another.

The Castle will open in Melbourne at Her Majesty’s Theatre from March 2027.

Show producers Working Dog and Michael Cassel have been contacted for comment.