Christie Whelan Browne, who has been cast as the stage actress for the theatre release of The Castle has hit back at online haters just days after the casting announcement.
Whelan Browne, who has been cast as Sal Kerrigan for the adaptation, took to social media to hit back at comments making “personal attacks” and calls to remove her from the production based on her past 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 was among several actors who came forward to police in 2018 with allegations against Craig McLachlan for multiple sexual offences.
He was acquitted of criminal charges relating to those allegations in 2020.
“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.”
She continued saying she was tired of having the incident overshadow her professional achievements.
“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.
She admitted that she tries her best to not let it affect her, the comments have stung “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.”
Fans have rallied around the actress, with one person saying she was “perfect” for the part and to “please don’t let the words of a few impact the praise of many.”
“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.
Image: Instagram
