The boss of the Rocky Horror Show production company says he's glad those accusing Craig McLachlan of sexually inappropriate behaviour have come forward so their claims can be properly investigated.
But Gordon Frost Organisation managing director John Frost says he can't recall being spoken to personally by one of the women in 2014 when the incidents allegedly occurred.
"I cannot remember any discussion around Craig. I can only explain this by pointing out that I speak to many people backstage across many productions and have little time to spend with each person," Mr Frost said in a statement on Wednesday.
Christie Whelan Browne, Angela Scundi and Erika Heynatz, who appeared in the 2014 production of the popular musical, have told Fairfax Media and the ABC McLachlan inappropriately touched them or exposed himself.
A woman and a man who worked as part of the crew have also gone to Victorian police who are investigating the allegations.
Whelan Browne said she spoke to Mr Frost at the time, indicating she was scared of McLachlan.
"Christie has told the media I responded with words to the effect that what she was feeling was not good and that I gave her my phone number and asked her to call me," Mr Frost said.
"She has confirmed that she did not take up that offer."
Frost said his company had never had an incident of this nature before and complaints of any type of bullying or harassment were very rare.
Actor Craig McLachlan performing as Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Source: AAP
"Erika, Christie and Angela have publicly stated many times in the media that they chose not to make a complaint and that they waited some years to come forward," he said.
"I am glad they finally did so that their claims can be properly investigated."
Mr Frost said the fact the three women did not feel they could report their concerns in 2014 was "concerning and distressing".
"And, I sincerely apologise to them for this," he said.
"Our company is responsible for sometimes hundreds of people across many productions at any given time, and we do have very strict policies and procedures in place when it comes to reporting of allegations of this nature.
"We had those same policies in place in 2014.
"Over the past few days, we have spent time reinforcing those policies and assuring all employees across all productions that any reported incident will be treated seriously and promptly with sensitivity to all parties concerned."
McLachlan has not spoken publicly since the allegations were raised but has described them as "baseless" in a statement.
"They seem to be simple inventions, perhaps made for financial reasons, perhaps to gain notoriety," he was quoted as writing.
Share
