Australian actor Geoffrey Rush denies claims of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ during stage production of King Lear
Oscar winner who starred in Sydney Theatre Company’s production of King Lear says he has received no details of the complaint from the company or accuser
The Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush has denied allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” during a Sydney Theatre Company production of King Lear, after the company said it had received a complaint against him.
Rush’s lawyer said in a statement that Rush had not been told of the nature of the complaint by the complainant or the theatre company, either at the time the complaint was made 21 months ago or since.
“In this current environment, ‘inappropriate behaviour’ may mean abuse, bullying or other forms of reprehensible activity,” the statement said.
“These are matters that deserve forthright and objective levels of discussion. It must be made clear from the outset that Mr Rush abhors any form of maltreatment of any person in any form.”
Rush, 66, who lives in Melbourne, said: “The moment I became aware of rumours of a complaint I immediately phoned and spoke to senior management at the Sydney Theatre Company asking for clarification about the details of the statement. They refused to illuminate me with the details.
“I also asked why this information was being withheld and why, according to standard theatre practice, the issue had not been raised with me during the production via stage management, the director, my fellow actors or anyone at management level. However, no response was forthcoming.”