McLachlan accusations 'go beyond Rocky Horror'

A lawyer fighting a defamation case launched by Craig McLachlan has told a Sydney court further people have come forward to make allegations of indecent assault against the actor. 

Lyndall Barnett, who is representing the ABC and Fairfax Media, made the claim in the Supreme Court in an application for more time to prepare their defence.

Ms Barnett said the new allegations against the former Neighbours actor date back to 1990.

In January this year, the ABC and Fairfax media published news stories claiming female cast members on the 2014 Rocky Horror Show alleged they were abused, harassed or assaulted by McLachlan, 52. 

Today in the Supreme Court, Ms Barnett said the allegations extended "well beyond the Rocky Horror Show" and a lot of the complaints alleged indecent assault. 

McLachlan has vehemently denied the allegations and today his lawyers insisted the case had dragged on for months and it needed to be resolved. 

In an affidavit tended to the court, it was claimed the actor had "suffered severe mental anxiety and distress, become reclusive and his acting career has been effectively destroyed."

In relation to the defence's application for more time, McLachlan said he "can't believe" witnesses were still being sought "five months after ruining my life".

Ms Barnett asked for a date of June 1 to file the defence.

Supreme Court Judge McCallum refused the request and set a new deadline of May 24.