McLachlan launched defamation proceedings in 2018 against The Sydney Morning Herald, the ABC and performer Christie Whelan Browne over reports about the allegations.

On December 15, 2020, McLachlan was found not guilty of criminal charges relating to his alleged conduct during The Rocky Horror Show.

McLachlan was acquitted of seven charges of indecent assault relating to seven alleged incidents involving four women, as well as being acquitted of related assault charges.

Magistrate Belinda Wallington found the criminal charges were not established beyond reasonable doubt under the laws that applied at the time, but said that "were the current law applicable, it is possible that the result may be different". She described the four complainants as "brave and honest witnesses".