Craig McLachlan admitted he finds it hard to trust women during the stunning season premiere of SAS Australia on Monday.
The Doctor Blake star, 58, became upset as she told host Ant Middleton about the huge toll the indecent assault took on his career.
In 2019, McLachlan was charged with seven counts of indecent assault and six counts of common law assault against four women who starred alongside him in a stage production of The Rocky Horror Show. In 2020, he was acquitted of all charges.
“When I started ‘Neighbours,’ I was in living rooms night after night, day after day,” he told SAS producers.
But there was something that happened five years ago that was shocking to the public and shocking to me.
Craig McLachlan, disgraced actor. A workplace bully, a monster,” he continued.
“So I’m here to dish out some pretty extreme pain with some pretty extreme pain.”
McLachlan went on to admit that he now suffers from “extreme social anxiety”.
“I find it very difficult to believe situations where there are a lot of people, especially women,” he said.
Craig McLachlan admitted he has a hard time trusting women during the thrilling season premiere of SAS Australia on Monday. On the picture
The Doctor Blake star, 58, was upset as she told host Ant Middleton (pictured) that his indecent assault trial had badly damaged his career
“I’m more worried about being in a new group of people than climbing a mountain.” I know it sounds bizarre, but for me, I’m afraid it’s true,” he added.
He went on to admit that many of the people he once called friends have disappeared from his life.
“People who just months before looked me in the eye and said you’re creating the most wonderful work environment imaginable … abandonment, complete abandonment,” Middleton said.
‘A small handful of brave people with whom I have been friends for over 30 years have always been there, but the vast majority – gone.’
McLachlan went on to admit that he now suffers from “extreme social anxiety”. “I find it very difficult to believe situations where there are a lot of people, especially women,” he said
“I’m more worried about being in a new group of people than climbing a mountain.” I know it sounds bizarre, but for me, I’m afraid it’s true,” he added
McLachlan was charged with assault and indecent assault following complaints from female colleagues in a 2014 Melbourne stage production of The Rocky Horror Show, during which he played the role of Frank-N-Furter.
He was later awarded a $500,000 settlement in April this year after being acquitted of assault charges.
He strongly denied the allegations against him.
Judge Belinda Wallington found him not guilty of 13 counts after a four-week contested hearing at the Victorian Magistrates’ Court in Melbourne in December 2020.
SAS Australia continues on Tuesday at 7.30pm on Channel Seven
SAS Australia continues on Tuesday at 7.30pm on Channel Seven
