Craig McLachlan: Actor denies sexual misconduct allegations Published duration 8 January 2018 Related Topics Hollywood sexual harassment scandal

image copyright Getty Images image caption Craig McLachlan has been accused of sexual misconduct during a Rocky Horror Show production

Australian actor Craig McLachlan has denied allegations of sexual misconduct made against him by three women.

The accusations against McLachlan, 52, concern his time performing in a 2014 production of the Rocky Horror Show.

Three cast members accused the former Neighbours actor of inappropriate touching and harassment.

McLachlan stepped down from the Rocky Horror Show's current Australian run on Monday, but rejected the allegations as "entirely false".

The actresses, Christie Whelan Browne, Erika Heynatz and Angela Scundi, said they had come forward to protect other cast members. McLachlan had been reprising his role as Dr Frank N. Furter in Adelaide.

"I think people who know him know that he's very generous, warm, funny... I saw a very different side come out in him which was terrifying," she told the ABC.

image copyright Getty Images image caption Christie Whelan Brown (L) says she wants to help create a safer working culture

Heynatz, who played Magenta, said she was forcibly kissed by the actor, while Scundi, a chorus member, said she was the subject of unwanted sexual advances.

Two actresses raised concerns with the show's senior producers but no action was taken, the reports said.

Police told the BBC they were "investigating allegations of sexual offences dating back to 2014", but would not give further details.

In a statement on Monday, the musical's production company said it was "shocked" to learn of the accusations.

"In response, we have spoken to Craig and have mutually agreed that it is not appropriate for him to continue in the current production of the show," Gordon Frost Organisation said in a statement.

It said it would co-operate with authorities and conduct and internal investigation.