Craig McLachlan has stepped down from the upcoming national stage production of Cluedo, following backlash from within the theatre industry and the wider community.
The 58-year-old was set to play Colonel Mustard in the production, marking what would have been his return to the stage since 2017.
However, McLachlan confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that he was withdrawing to protect others involved in the production from ongoing criticism.
“I was targeted by a social media campaign from within the theatre community, which I was devastated to see has then impacted those involved in the production,” he said. “I therefore feel that it is best for the production and those involved for me to withdraw.”
In a longer statement shared to Instagram, McLachlan revealed he had delayed releasing the announcement due to the recent death of his mother, who he had been caring for over the past eight years.
“I prepared a statement yesterday but with the passing of my dear Mum, I put it on hold,” he wrote.
He went on to explain that shortly after the cast announcement was made, a “focused social media campaign” began targeting not only himself, but also the two other actors named alongside him, the director, production team members, and even audience members who expressed support for his return.
“The bullying even extends to my partner Vanessa, our friends and family,” he added. “Make no mistake, this is bullying.”
McLachlan said he had warned the production team in advance that he didn’t want his involvement to negatively affect anyone else.
“In a sit-down meeting with key production personnel only days before the announcement, I made it very clear that I didn’t want my inclusion in the cast to negatively impact any of the other actors,” he said.
“Those two actors mentioned alongside me have been and continue to be harassed and bullied by their peers.”
“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,” he concluded.
Cluedo producer John Frost issued an apology in response to the backlash, saying: “Whilst it was my initial casting decision, I understand the opposing sentiment and I am sorry for any distress this decision has caused.”
McLachlan last appeared on stage in The Rocky Horror Show in 2017. Later that year, three women accused him of sexual assault during a previous tour.
He was found not guilty of all charges in 2020, with the judge describing the women as “brave and honest witnesses,” but stating the “result may have been different” under current consent laws.
In 2022, McLachlan dropped a defamation lawsuit against one of the women, Christie Whelan Browne, along with the ABC and Fairfax Media.
The Cluedo stage show is based on the 1985 black comedy film Clue, which itself was inspired by the classic board game. It is set to premiere in Brisbane in January before touring to Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney.
The cast also includes Genevieve Lemon as Mrs Peacock and Grant Piro as Wadsworth. Further casting is yet to be announced.
Images: Instagram
