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Craig McLachlan drops defamation case against ABC, Nine and Christie Whelan Browne

Christie Whelan Browne issues statement after Craig McLachlan defamation case dropped

Actor Craig McLachlan has discontinued his defamation proceedings against the ABC, Nine Newspapers and Christie Whelan Browne on the day the defence case was set to begin.

The former Neighbours star will pay the defendants' court costs after abandoning the hearing on its 10th day.

McLachlan had sued in the NSW Supreme Court in 2018 over a media investigation detailing allegations of inappropriate behaviour during the 2014 tour of The Rocky Horror Show.

The reports, aired on the ABC's 7.30 program and published in the Sydney Morning Herald, alleged the now 56-year-old had indecently assaulted, bullied, harassed and exposed himself to female cast members.

McLachlan denied the claims and said they had ended his acting career.

On Friday, Acting Justice Carolyn Simpson granted McLachlan's application to seek leave to end the proceedings.

Acting Justice Simpson discharged the jury, thanking them for their service over the past two weeks.

"Mr McLachlan has decided not to proceed any further with either of these cases," she said.

"That means the case is brought to an end, it's finished."

In a statement, ABC News Director Justin Stevens said it was a "tremendous result for the women who were brave enough to come forward and tell their stories, particularly Christie Whelan Browne".

"Eleven women came forward to give evidence against McLachlan," Mr Stevens said.

"They would not be silenced. It is crucial that defamation laws also not be used to silence the media in reporting accurately and with integrity on matters of public interest.

"The ABC stands by its journalism. It stands by the women who came forward. It stands by Christie Whelan Browne."

Christie Whelan Browne made allegations against Craig McLachlan. (AAP: Dan Himbrechts)

In a statement, McLachlan said: "I cannot continue to place my family under that strain, and my own mental health will not withstand the continuing pressure."

"Ending the case now will finally bring to an end the four years we have endured since the publications were first made, as well as avoiding the need for other witnesses to have to endure the cross-examination process."

Marina Olsen, Ms Whelan Browne's lawyer, read a statement on behalf of her client outside court saying she had suffered abuse and threats since coming forward in 2018.

Through Ms Olsen, the actor said she and her colleagues felt they had no option but to speak to the media after their complaints about McLachlan fell on deaf ears.

"My name was dragged through the mud and my character and own behaviour was exaggerated and called into question," she said.

"I have lost my feeling of safety in the world knowing someone wanted so badly to damage me for simply speaking the truth.

"I am pleased this claim has been withdrawn and I look forward to moving on with my life.

"I hope this is a reminder that women will stand up for themselves and each other, even when threatened by somebody more powerful."

Craig McLachlan as Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show. (Facebook: Rocky Horror Show Australia)

Jurors had heard nine days of evidence, which included testimony by McLachlan, his partner Vanessa Scammell, and friends.

In his opening address, McLachlan's barrister Kieran Smark SC said his client was the victim of a "double-pronged attack ... by two powerful media organisations".

The ABC, Nine and Whelan Browne defended the stories as true and were set to call their first witnesses.

The court had been told by the defendants' barrister, Michael Hodge QC, that 11 women who worked with McLachlan during various productions would testify about his inappropriate behaviour.

Mr Hodge told the jury three colleagues from The Rocky Horror Show, would testify about alleged indecent touching and kissing during a bedroom scene.

It was alleged this behaviour was not part of the show or agreed upon by the other actors.

Craig McLachlan leaves the Supreme Court on Thursday. (AAP: Bianca De Marchi)

McLachlan gave evidence over several days, saying there was a playful atmosphere on set where theatrical but platonic hugs and kisses were common.

The actor said he enjoyed a jovial relationship with many of his colleagues and denied allegations of bullying.

McLachlan claimed the media reporting damaged his reputation and caused him to be admitted into a mental health facility in 2018.

Mr Hodge repeatedly accused McLachlan of lying in his evidence about behaviour on set, which the actor denied.

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