Craig McLachlan Details Rock Bottom During Legal Battle

Australian actor Craig McLachlan has spoken about the profound impact of his lengthy legal proceedings, revealing he reached a personal low point due to accumulating legal expenses and a lack of professional opportunities. McLachlan, 61, was acquitted in December 2020 of 13 charges of assault and indecent assault following a four-week trial.

Once a prominent figure on Australian television, McLachlan faced an uncertain career path after allegations surfaced concerning his involvement in productions of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." He described the experience as intensely difficult, stating, "The lows were low, no doubt about it. Me being an innately upbeat, positive guy, the lows hit me particularly hard."

The financial strain of defending himself was significant, with McLachlan recounting a moment of severe hardship: "I went to the ATM and couldn't get five quid out!"

He noted that he was prepared to take any acting work, even if it meant enduring harsh conditions, recalling his agent suggesting a project in Canada where "you will freeze your a**e off." McLachlan added, "I thought, 'Okay, I can get through this. If I have to go film a movie in the wilds of Uzbekistan, I can do that!"

McLachlan offered a stern warning regarding the cost of legal battles, advising potential litigants to avoid such expenses if possible, calling them "more expensive than anyone can imagine."

Throughout the ordeal, his partner Vanessa Scammell provided crucial support. McLachlan credited her steadfastness for helping him navigate his darkest periods, particularly when his career prospects were unclear. "It was a whole other level. Nothing prepares you for it! If it wasn't for Vanessa's determination... On those really, really dark days, she was the one who said, 'If anyone can do this, you can!'"

The trial also disrupted their wedding plans, which had to be postponed. McLachlan expressed hope for rescheduling and indicated that details would be shared with the Daily Mail.

He found it difficult to maintain contact with former colleagues from his soap opera days, as many were hesitant to reach out due to fear of legal repercussions. "When it all blew up a few years ago, people were scared. Since I was cleared, people have reached out saying sorry for not contacting me during it. They were scared to reach out and thought their phones had been bugged or could be subpoenaed."

McLachlan stated that he is forgiving and is moving forward, saying, "I am coming out of the darkness into the light!"

The actor is now focused on rebuilding his career and is currently appearing in a new stage production titled "Schadenfreude," running in Melbourne until December 30. This marks one of his first acting roles in several years, with his last scripted role being in 2017 before "Doctor Blake" was cancelled.

He had previously mentioned experiencing severe anxiety due to the ordeal and apprehension about returning to the public eye. McLachlan had been a fixture in the Australian entertainment industry for over three decades before the allegations impacted his career. In 2023, he participated in the reality series "SAS Australia."