Christie Whelan Browne files gender discrimination complaint against Rocky Horror’s employer

Australian musical theater actress Christie Whelan Browne has filed a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission against her former employer while she was working on the production of The Rocky Horror Show in 2014.

Whelan Browne tweeted Friday night that her complaint alleges that the Gordon Frost Organization violated the Gender Discrimination Act while she was performing at the show.

The actor said her complaint included her former employer engaging in gender discrimination, subjecting her to unsafe working conditions, breaching his duty of care to her, failing to meet labor, health and safety standards and allowing another employee to engage in gender discrimination and sexual harassment.

whelan browne, The Sydney Morning Herald and the ABC had been sued by actor Craig McLachlan in the NSW Supreme Court in 2018 over an investigation alleging he indecently assaulted and sexually harassed female cast members during the 2014 stage production The Rocky Horror Show.

When the trial began in May 2022, McLachlan abruptly abandoned his defamation case and was ordered to pay costs estimated at about $2 million.

“It is disappointing that I have been forced to take this step after trying and failing on numerous occasions to have the Gordon Frost Organization properly handle my grievances,” Whelan Browne said.

“I do so knowing that this will expose me to further attacks online and in the media, but also knowing that I have no other choice. I am determined to stand up for myself.”

The complaint is now with the Commission and Whelan Browne said she had no intention of making any further comments at this time.

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