Craig McLachlan quits Cluedo stage show after controversial casting, says ‘this is bullying’

Performer Craig McLachlan has announced he has stepped down from the controversial upcoming Australian production of Cluedo, after “bullying” negatively impacted the show.

McLachlan, who was set to play Colonel Mustard in the stage play, also revealed he wanted to share the announcement on Monday, however, he delayed this due to the passing of his mother.

McLachlan, who was accused of sexual misconduct in 2018 relating to his time with the Australian Production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, denied the allegations and launched defamation proceedings.

The defamation case was put on hold in 2019 due to an ongoing investigation, with Victoria Police eventually charging the actor with common assault, indecent assault and attempted indecent assault.

McLachlan was acquitted of all charges in 2020 and initially sought to continue with defamation proceedings, however, he later withdrew the action.

Producers, Crossroads Live, told the Daily Telegraph that McLachlan was “looking forward to returning to the stage in an acting role”.

However, after his casting was announced, a social media backlash erupted, with many Australian theatre performers questioning how he was cast.

That backlash eventually proved too much, with McLachlan confirming he would step down.

“Almost one week ago, an announcement was made that an Australian production of the much-loved play Cluedo was being mounted,” he said in a video statement.

“Included in that announcement were the names of three actors who had excitedly signed on to be part of the small ensemble cast, and I happened to be one of those actors mentioned. “In the hours and days that followed, a focused social media campaign was deployed from within the theatre community, aggressively targeting the two other actors named alongside me, members of the production team, the director of the production, and everyday individuals who simply expressed their delight at my return to mainstream theatre.”

McLachlan claimed the bullying had extended to his “partner Vanessa, our friends and family”.

“Make no mistake, this is bullying,” he said in his video statement.

McLachlan said in the days before his casting announcement, he “made it very clear” that he didn’t want his “inclusion in the cast to negatively impact any of the other actors”.

“Those two actors mentioned alongside me have been and continue to be harassed and bullied by their peers,” he said. “I cannot and will not let my involvement in a show result in good people being targeted by trolls and bullies.

“I have therefore made the decision to withdraw from the production.”

At the start of the video announcement, McLachlan revealed that his mother, whom he had cared for, died on Monday.

The actor did not say the death of his mother was a factor in his decision, instead, he stated the circumstances delayed his statement.

Producer John Frost said he was sorry for any “distress” caused by his decision to cast McLachlan.

“Craig McLachlan’s theatrical stage return wasn’t well received by some of the industry and public,” Mr Frost said in a statement.

“The resulting impact on others involved has prompted his withdrawal from the production.

“I have listened to the feedback and as producer, while it was my initial casting decision, I understand the opposing sentiment and I am sorry for any distress this decision has caused.”

If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028,