NOT GUILTY - The Craig McLachlan Case

Was the fix in? In this episode, Michael Cain and Craig McLachlan go deeper into the details
of the criminal case — including the charge that became almost too absurd to believe: the so-
called "ankle tickle"
But it's Vanessa who brings the questions that cut to the heart of it all. How can anyone be
expected to modify or reflect on their behaviour if no one ever raises a concern with them
directly? When friendly interactions and communications continue freely — in the workplace
and beyond it — is it just to have complaints aired so publicly, and so devastatingly, in the
press?
This is the unfiltered, human side of a case that ultimately ended in full acquittal. No spin. No
filter. Just the truth.

You can watch the original video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/GHjLmXbrNlY?si=j2Tvzf6pcTGIt5HE
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Michael Cain takes a deep dive into the Craig McLachlan case, cutting through the myths surrounding one of Australia's most high-profile legal battles. This episode explores questions relating to Episode 2 of the NOT GUILTY series, the unique culture of the theatre industry, the shock of charges being laid against McLachlan, court room language and the anxiety he experienced throughout the criminal proceedings.
Craig speaks candidly about what it's like performing in a stage show like Rocky Horror — and whether it rivals the intensity of a grand final football match. He also weighs in on the significant outcome of Victorian police paying half a million dollars in costs related to the case.
With insights shared for the very first time, this is a must-listen episode straight from the man at the centre of it all. Not to be missed.

You can watch the original video version of this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtRd5c_7Ero
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part 2 of Not Guilty – The Craig McLachlan Case moves beyond the courtroom analysis and explores the human side of the story.

After the detailed examination of timelines, evidence and legal rulings presented in Part 1, this second chapter features UNFILTERED interviews between Michael Cain and Craig McLachlan.

The questions are not shared with Craig beforehand and his responses are entirely spontaneous — unscripted and unrehearsed. With no director or producer guiding the conversation, these interviews provide a candid and unfiltered insight into the experiences of the man at the centre of one of Australia’s most widely reported legal cases.

You can watch the original video version of this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap-wyeksXJo&t=9s
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having carefully examined the criminal charges in the Craig McLachlan case, Vanessa now
turns her focus to the Magistrate’s rulings — and in particular, two aspects that continue to
generate debate.
First, the reference to the “old” versus “new” laws. What do these legislative changes actually
mean in practical terms? How do they alter the way a court assesses conduct, intention, and
consent? And could there possibly have been a different outcome had the newer provisions
applied?
Second, the Magistrate’s description of Craig’s accusers as “brave and honest.” What is the
role of judicial commentary following an acquittal? Where is the line between explaining a
decision and making observations that may have lasting reputational consequences?
In this episode, Vanessa explores not only the legal mechanics, but the broader question of
accountability. What responsibility rests with judicial officers when their remarks carry
significant public impact? And what recourse exists when commentary is perceived as
thoroughly damaging?

Stay tuned for a compelling and thought-provoking discussion.
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In Episode 8 of NOT GUILTY — The Craig McLachlan Case, the title captures the central
conflict: what happens when someone believes their reputation has been tarnished?
Vanessa continues the examination of the final charge laid against Craig McLachlan, focusing
on his former friend and colleague known as C1. The episode asks a difficult question —
what does it mean when a friendship continues for years after events are later described as
misconduct? And what, ultimately, prompted allegations that carried such serious and lasting
consequences?
This episode explores previously unseen context, including text messages sent to close
friends that raise questions about C1's timing and intention. Were these messages related to
motive?
Attention also turns again to the police investigation itself. Why were certain claims not more
deeply tested? What happens when supposed eyewitness accounts shift, evolve, or fail to
align with other evidence before the court?
Episode 8 confronts one of the most contentious issues in the case: the difference between
mistake, exaggeration, and deliberate falsehood. When inconsistencies arise under oath, how
are they characterised — and who decides whether a moment becomes a credibility issue, an
error, or something more serious?
More broadly, the episode reflects on the power of narrative. How do public frameworks and
cultural slogans influence the way allegations are received, reported, and remembered? And
what happens when a legal outcome does not fully displace a narrative that has already taken
hold?
This is an episode about friendship, credibility, investigation, and the lasting impact of
reputational harm — asking whether the full story is ever heard once a public narrative is
established.

Watch the accompanying Unfiltered episode in which Craig McLachlan is interviewed by Michael Cain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFpXYmtGiSM
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.