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Craig McLachlan fires back in court with photos, video he says 'prove' he was defamed

Actor Craig McLachlan has taken extraordinary legal action, suing a former co-star who alleged sexual harassment and the media outlets which published the claims.

Seven News was present when McLachlan's legal representative served papers on staff at Fairfax Media in Pyrmont and the ABC in Ultimo late on Thursday.

McLachlan's Statement of Claim, lodged with the NSW Supreme Court, names both organisations, but principally targets his former Rocky Horror co-star Christie Whelan Browne.

Craig McLachlan's legal representative served papers on two media outlets on Thursday afternoon. Source: 7 News
Craig McLachlan's legal representative served papers on two media outlets on Thursday afternoon. Source: 7 News
McLachlan's Statement of Claim refers to Christie Whelan Browne as a
McLachlan's Statement of Claim refers to Christie Whelan Browne as a

In it, his lawyers respond to accusations made against him and cite evidence which they say proves Christie Whelan Browne was "herself a notoriously foul-mouthed person who publicly distributed offensive matter, and had expressed interest in deviant sexual practices".

The document also cites eight examples, including a number of posts from her Instagram account, with references of a sexual nature, as well as references to what was under McLachlan's boxer shorts.

The documents cite a number of posts from Whelan Browne's Instagram account. Source: 7 News
The documents cite a number of posts from Whelan Browne's Instagram account. Source: 7 News

McLachlan is represented by prominent QC Stuart Littlemore and one of the country's top defamation lawyers Mark O'Brien.

There is no specific claim for monetary damages as yet.

Christie Whelan Browne, Fairfax and The ABC will get to mount their defence when the matter goes to court on March 16.