Craig McLachlan thanks fans for support in the wake of sexual harassment allegations
Former Neighbours star Craig McLachlan has offered an emotional message of thanks to fans after speaking out about his suicide attempt.
McLachlan had opened up about his mental health crisis in a documentary airing in Australia where he revealed the effects of being accused of sexual harassment.
The actor and singer posted on Instagram: "To my friends and fans, so pleased you could all watch the show on Channel 7 tonight.
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"Your ongoing messages of support and encouragement mean everything to myself, Vanessa and our family.
"I'm so grateful to be sharing this space with you - you'll hear more from me soon. Stay tuned!"
McLachlan, 55, was found not guilty in December 2020 after three years of legal battles over accusations of sexual harrassment from former co-stars in a musical he worked on.
In the Australian documentary, he spoke out about his experiences for the first time, showing shocking video clips he had filmed of himself sitting on a log next to a river with a strong current and contemplating whether to kill himself.
He said: "I would sit there... because really at that point, all you can think about is, 'Nessie (his partner Vanessa Scammell) is going to be better off. My family will be better off without me.' I can't win. In this post-Weinstein hashtag-me-too world-gone-mad, I can't win."
The star continued: "I would go down and just think... I'll write a long letter... make sure Nessie and my son, my family, are looked after. And then I'll do what I have to do.
"I would go and sit and see what the tide's doing... I contemplated the unthinkable."
McLachlan also said that he had attempted suicide on another occasion and had later been admitted to what he called a "mental hospital".
Speaking about the case alongside his partner Scammell, at one point McLachlan became so overwhelmed with emotion that he had to leave the room.
He had been talking about one of his accusers and claimed she had pursued a friendship with him, saying that she had even rushed out of a cafe to greet and hug him just weeks before the allegations were made.
After he left the room in tears, Scammell told interviewers: "He's been abandoned by everybody. Except for me and our close team.
"And I think, after three and a half years, after not being able to speak, the ability to actually let it out..."
During the documentary, McLachlan showed viewers a shipping container he had spent time living in while out of work and trying to avoid attention.
For confidential emotional support at times of distress, contact The Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.
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