‘Wolf Creek’ Star John Jarratt Charged With Raping Woman in 1970s

The 66-year old, who stars as the murderous Mick Taylor in the films and TV series, has previously denied the accusation of historical sexual assault going back to 1976.

Wolf Creek star John Jarratt has been charged by police in Australia with historical sexual assault offences.

New South Wales police said they issued Jarratt with a court attendance notice Friday, alleging he raped an 18-year old woman in September 1976 at a house in Eastern Sydney. Jarratt was 23 at the time and the woman was reportedly 18. He denies the allegations.

Jarratt’s accuser reported the incident to New South Wales police in December 2017. She had spoken with Australian journalist Tracey Spicer in late 2017, in response to a call out from Spicer, who has become known as the face of the #MeToo movement in Australia, when she asked her Twitter to send her stories about sexual assault in the entertainment and media industry.

Spicer published the unnamed woman’s allegations in October and urged her to go to the police. In November last year, Jarratt’s talent agency Ignite Elite Artists said the actor “emphatically and completely denies the allegations of sexual assault.” “These allegations are completely unfounded and untrue,” Ignite Elite Artists said in a statement released at the time. Jarratt is due to appear in court Oct. 10.

The now 66-year-old Jarrett rose to international prominence thanks to his turn as the murderous Mick Taylor in Greg McLean’s breakout 2005 slasher hit Wolf Creek, reprising the role in a film sequel and two TV series.

Jarratt had previously starred in Australian films like Picnic at Hanging Rock and on long-running TV series including Better Homes and Gardens and A Country Practice.

Pop TV in the U.S. has acquired season 1 and 2 of the TV version of Wolf Creek and is due to premiere the series Oct. 21.