McLachlan abruptly abandoned the defamation case in 2022, before the media organisations and Whelan Browne had called their 11 witnesses to give evidence. He was ordered to pay legal costs, reportedly in the order of $2 million.

In an emotional video statement posted to Facebook on Tuesday, McLachlan accused his critics of bullying and treating unfairly the other two actors who had signed on for Cluedo - theatre veterans Genevieve Lemon and Grant Piro.

“A focused social media campaign was deployed from within the theatre community, aggressively targeting those two actors named alongside me, members of the production team, the director of the production, not to mention everyday individuals who just simply expressed their delight at my return to mainstream theatre,” he said in a statement.

“The bullying even extends to my partner, Vanessa and our friends and family. I cannot and will not let my involvement in a show result in good people being targeted by trolls and bullies. I have therefore made the decision to withdraw from the production.”

Producer John Frost issued an apology for his casting decision.

“Craig McLachlan’s theatrical stage return wasn’t well received by some of the industry and public,” he said in a statement. “The resulting impact on others involved has prompted his withdrawal from the production. I have listened to the feedback and as producer, whilst it was my initial casting decision, I understand the opposing sentiment and I am sorry for any distress this decision has caused.”