‘I’m free’: Actress’ big call on sex harassment case

Stage and television actress Christie Whelan Browne has settled her longstanding lawsuit against the production company behind The Rocky Horror Picture Show after she alleged she was sexually harassed by star Craig McLachlan.

Ms Whelan Browne launched proceedings in the Federal Court last year, claiming Oldfield Entertainment had failed to provide a safe work environment during the 2014 production, citing breaches of workplace health and safety.

The 42-year-old, who played the role of Janet, had been seeking $1.5m for general loss and damages and a further $500,000 for aggravated damages but on Wednesday revealed she had settled the suit out of court.

“I have now settled my sex discrimination/sexual harassment case with Oldfield Entertainment out of court,” she wrote on Instagram.

“I am extremely happy with the outcome and that I was able to avoid the pain of another trial. The past 18 months has taken a huge toll on me.

“But there will come a day, in the future, when I have healed, where I will be able to look back and be proud I stood up for myself.

“There is nothing more to say on the subject. It’s done. And I’m free.”

TV host Lisa Wilkinson and Brittany Higgins voiced support online for Ms Whelan Browne.

Wilkinson said the actress was “an inspiration Christie” and that it was now “time now to breathe”.

Ms Whelan Browne’s lawyers had alleged in court that Oldfield Entertainment had a duty to provide her with a safe work environment.

That included taking all reasonable steps to prevent its employees from engaging in breaches of the Sex Discrimination Act, including harassment and victimisation.

Ms Whelan Brown alleged Oldfield Entertainment had failed to protect her from repeated sexual harassment by Mr McLachlan.

In 2018, Ms Whelan Browne and two other actresses made allegations against Mr McLachlan, who subsequently left The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Police later charged Mr McLachlan with multiple counts of indecent assault, but he was later acquitted in court.

The Neighbours and Home And Away star filed defamation proceedings against the ABC and Fairfax Media in 2018 that were suddenly discontinued in 2021.

Mr McLachlan previously denied the allegations, with the discontinuation of court proceedings meaning no findings were made in regard to Ms Whelan Browne’s allegations.