Embattled actor Craig McLachlan has shared a teary first preview from his tell all documentary with 7News Spotlight.
In two new clips from the trailer of the upcoming investigative piece, McLachlan and partner Vanessa Scammel can be seen breaking down in tears as he reveals how sexual assault allegations levelled against him ruined their lives.
You see this is not just about a headline for the day, this is ruining lives, not just me, he tells the camera.
You want to crucify me? fine. (But) look what its done to my beautiful partner, look what it continues to do to my family everyday.
The 55-year-old former Neighbours star was found not guilty of seven counts of indecent assault and six of common law assault by Melbourne magistrate Belinda Wallington in December of last year.
McLachlan found himself in court after four women, his co-stars in the hit Australian version of the musical Rocky Horror Show, made the criminal allegations.
In her ruling Wallington rejected suggestions that the actors had colluded against McLachlan, calling them brave and honest witnesses and said the disgraced McLachlans egotistical self-entitled sense of humour led the accused to genuinely think that (the woman) was consenting to his actions.
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During the proceedings, McLachlan and his partner were often met with media packs before entering court and have since maintained a low profile.
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Australian actor Craig McLachlan (right) speaks to the media with his partner Vanessa Scammell in Sydney. Credit: Bianca De Marchi NewsWire/News Corp Australia, Bianca De Marchi NewsWire
But now McLachlan has broken his silence in the new trailer, that sees him looking dishevelled with grown out hair and a grey beard as he tells his fans to treasure their lives, because they can be taken away like that.
And youll die trying to get it back, he added.
The promo for the next instalment of Sevens Spotlight are the only posts to the actors Instagram account, that has just 6000 followers, one of which is actor Rebecca Gibney.
Singer Debbie Gibson commented on his post, saying she was so happy for him.
Ive treasured our friendship over these many decades and our time together in Grease was some of the best of my life and career ! So happy to see you here and for whats to come, she wrote.
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Craig McLachlan and partner Vanessa Scammel break down as he reveals how sexual assault allegations levelled against him ruined their lives. Credit: Instagram
Fans of the star also flocked to his Instagram to share their praise for McLachlan speaking out in the new special.
Three years of silence, it is your turn Craig, one user wrote.
So good to read this. A very missed Australian icon weve grown up with, another added.
