Actor and convicted child sex offender Robert Hughes has been granted parole in Australia and will be deported to the UK no later than June 14.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Hughes was known for his lead role on popular sitcom Hey Dad! which aired in over 20 countries.
According to the New South Wales Parole Authority, Hughes has been serving a maximum sentence of 10 years 9 months which began in April 2014. The offenses occurred between 1984 and 1990 and involved four child victims including Sarah Monahan who played his daughter on Hey Dad! Per the Parole Authority, “The tendency evidence revealed sexual misconduct spanning 20 years. The conviction counts were said to be representative of a systematic pattern of sexual abuse upon vulnerable young girls over a number of years.”
Hughes, now 73, is a British national who renounced his Australian citizenship in 2019. He has continued to deny the crimes, but on his third bid for parole,...
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Hughes was known for his lead role on popular sitcom Hey Dad! which aired in over 20 countries.
According to the New South Wales Parole Authority, Hughes has been serving a maximum sentence of 10 years 9 months which began in April 2014. The offenses occurred between 1984 and 1990 and involved four child victims including Sarah Monahan who played his daughter on Hey Dad! Per the Parole Authority, “The tendency evidence revealed sexual misconduct spanning 20 years. The conviction counts were said to be representative of a systematic pattern of sexual abuse upon vulnerable young girls over a number of years.”
Hughes, now 73, is a British national who renounced his Australian citizenship in 2019. He has continued to deny the crimes, but on his third bid for parole,...
- 6/2/2022
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
As we’ve learned from Flight of the Conchords, one of the only things that New Zealand is known for these days is Lord of the Rings. And they seem to be quite proud of it. As evidence in this new art installation by Weta at the Wellington, New Zealand airport. Opening this week, the massive statue of Gollum reaching out to catch a juicy sweet fish will now greet travelers as they enter the terminal. As you will see from the images below, it’s both awe-inspiring and terribly frightening. The 13m sculpture was designed and produced by Richard Taylor and Weta Workshop supervisors Rob Gillies and Sarah Morris. It comes to life just in time for the frenzy that will no doubt accompany the release of The Hobbit, the first film in a new trilogy, in December. Check out images of the stunning installation below: Also, courtesy of the Wellington Airport, here...
- 10/29/2012
- by Neil Miller
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Here's a few photos of a giant Gollum statue that was set up and being displayed at New Zealand's Wellington Airport. I'm a huge fan of this Middle Earth franchise, and this thing is awesome!
Rob Gillies and Sarah Morris. Richard made a short speech to thank the team that made the incredibly realistic sculpture – a testament not only to their talent and hard work, but also to the technology and skills Weta has developed. He also thanked the “excellent” team at Wellington Airport, who have been a pleasure to work with in creating something that would bring delight to Wellington’s visitors. Airport CEO Steve Sanderson said the airport was proud to work with Weta and have such a magnificent sculpture on display. “Everyone will be amazed when they enter the terminal."
Maybe one day I'll make it out to New Zealand to see this in person!
Rob Gillies and Sarah Morris. Richard made a short speech to thank the team that made the incredibly realistic sculpture – a testament not only to their talent and hard work, but also to the technology and skills Weta has developed. He also thanked the “excellent” team at Wellington Airport, who have been a pleasure to work with in creating something that would bring delight to Wellington’s visitors. Airport CEO Steve Sanderson said the airport was proud to work with Weta and have such a magnificent sculpture on display. “Everyone will be amazed when they enter the terminal."
Maybe one day I'll make it out to New Zealand to see this in person!
- 10/27/2012
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Former Hey Dad! star Robert Hughes has been faced with new sexual abuse allegations. The Australian actor, who was accused of molesting former child actor and Hey Dad! co-star Sarah Monahan in 2010, has now been accused of grooming and embarking on an eight-month relationship with a teenage fan. A woman identified only as 'Michelle' told A Current Affair that Hughes started pursuing her when she was only 15 years old, after she sent him a fan letter saying that she wanted to get into showbiz. Over the next eight months, 'Michelle' said that Hughes sent and hand-delivered over 12 letters to her home. In the letters, he allegedly asked her personal questions, invited her onto the set of Hey Dad!, asked her for a photograph and her phone number and offered to (more)...
- 2/29/2012
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
The daughter of Australian actor Robert Hughes has spoken out in defense of her father, insisting she is "appalled and outraged" by "untrue" allegations the TV star molested his niece. In 2010, former child star Sarah Monahan accused Hughes - who played her father in hit sitcom "Hey Dad!" - of acting inappropriately towards her during filming in the early 1990s, a claim he vehemently denied.
Hughes' niece Melinda O'Donnell came forward over the weekend with her own allegations, accusing the veteran star of indecently touching her when she was a child. Now Hughes' daughter Jessica has spoken out about the claims, insisting money is the real motive behind the accusations. She says in a statement, "I am appalled and outraged about claims made on national television regarding my father and my childhood..."
"My father is a good man and I have had nothing but a happy, safe and supportive family life.
Hughes' niece Melinda O'Donnell came forward over the weekend with her own allegations, accusing the veteran star of indecently touching her when she was a child. Now Hughes' daughter Jessica has spoken out about the claims, insisting money is the real motive behind the accusations. She says in a statement, "I am appalled and outraged about claims made on national television regarding my father and my childhood..."
"My father is a good man and I have had nothing but a happy, safe and supportive family life.
- 3/15/2011
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
The daughter of Australian actor Robert Hughes has spoken out in defence of her father, insisting she is "appalled and outraged" by "untrue" allegations the TV star molested his niece.
In 2010, former child star Sarah Monahan accused Hughes - who played her father in hit sitcom Hey Dad! - of acting inappropriately towards her during filming in the early 1990s, a claim he vehemently denied.
Hughes' niece Melinda O'Donnell came forward over the weekend (12-13Mar11) with her own allegations, accusing the veteran star of indecently touching her when she was a child.
Now Hughes' daughter Jessica has spoken out about the claims, insisting money is the real motive behind the accusations.
She says in a statement, "I am appalled and outraged about claims made on national television regarding my father and my childhood...
"My father is a good man and I have had nothing but a happy, safe and supportive family life. I have no doubt that the allegations against my father are untrue.
"For my father to have his reputation destroyed for the sake of a ratings war is something no reasonable person should find acceptable. One has to question the motives of people reportedly paid to give interviews now, having never spoken before.
"I hope my father takes the appropriate action against the people who have jumped on this apparently lucrative bandwagon for their 15 minutes of fame."
Monahan has threatened to take legal action against Hughes as police still continue to investigate her claims, while the actor has also threatened to sue over the allegations.
In 2010, former child star Sarah Monahan accused Hughes - who played her father in hit sitcom Hey Dad! - of acting inappropriately towards her during filming in the early 1990s, a claim he vehemently denied.
Hughes' niece Melinda O'Donnell came forward over the weekend (12-13Mar11) with her own allegations, accusing the veteran star of indecently touching her when she was a child.
Now Hughes' daughter Jessica has spoken out about the claims, insisting money is the real motive behind the accusations.
She says in a statement, "I am appalled and outraged about claims made on national television regarding my father and my childhood...
"My father is a good man and I have had nothing but a happy, safe and supportive family life. I have no doubt that the allegations against my father are untrue.
"For my father to have his reputation destroyed for the sake of a ratings war is something no reasonable person should find acceptable. One has to question the motives of people reportedly paid to give interviews now, having never spoken before.
"I hope my father takes the appropriate action against the people who have jumped on this apparently lucrative bandwagon for their 15 minutes of fame."
Monahan has threatened to take legal action against Hughes as police still continue to investigate her claims, while the actor has also threatened to sue over the allegations.
- 3/15/2011
- WENN
The daughter of Robert Hughes has slammed claims of child molestation. The Hey Dad actor has been accused of behaving inappropriately towards then-child star Sarah Monahan on the set of the show as well as exposing himself to his niece Melinda O'Donnell when she was 10 years old. Jessica Hughes told Aap: "To imply I have ever been involved in, or was aware of, these sordid (more)...
- 3/15/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Former child star Sarah Monahan is to take legal action against actor Robert Hughes as police continue to investigate her claims that he abused her on the set of Aussie TV show Hey Dad!
Last year Monahan went public with her allegations that Hughes, who played her onscreen father in the hit sitcom, acted inappropriately towards her during filming in the early 1990s.
Cops launched a probe but have yet to file any charges against Hughes - so Monahan has vowed to take legal action herself.
She tells Australia's Nine Network, "We really don't know how much longer it's going to take, and (the police) can't tell how much longer it's going to take or if it's even ever going to result in charges."
Hughes denies Monahan's allegations.
Last year Monahan went public with her allegations that Hughes, who played her onscreen father in the hit sitcom, acted inappropriately towards her during filming in the early 1990s.
Cops launched a probe but have yet to file any charges against Hughes - so Monahan has vowed to take legal action herself.
She tells Australia's Nine Network, "We really don't know how much longer it's going to take, and (the police) can't tell how much longer it's going to take or if it's even ever going to result in charges."
Hughes denies Monahan's allegations.
- 3/8/2011
- WENN
Sarah Monahan has revealed that she plans to launch a civil suit in relation to alleged sexual abuse. The former child star, who claimed last year that her Hey Dad co-star Robert Hughes molested her on the set of the Australian TV show during the 1990s, said that she is not going to wait for the Nsw Police to finish their investigation before she launches civil action against Hughes and various Seven Network executives. Monahan, who is now 33, told the Nine Network: "We really don't know how much longer (more)...
- 3/8/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Sarah Monahan has said that her new nephew Byron has cheered her up after a "tough year". The 33-year-old Australian actress, who revealed last year that she was sexually harassed by her Hey Dad! co-star Robert Hughes between the ages of 9 and 12, said that her brother Mark's baby has distracted her from her problems. Monahan told Woman's Day magazine: "I've come thousands of miles for this little fella to cheer me up. I've been travelling for over 30 hours, and seeing (more)...
- 1/10/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
In terms of World Cup swag, we’ve seen everything from artist-edition track jackets to soccer ball–shaped ice-cube makers. For those with more highbrow tastes, there’s the Official Art Poster Edition, a series of 17 prints, commissioned by FIFA to promote next month’s South African games. The first edition of its kind debuted in 2006, with entries by contemporary artists like Andreas Gursky and Sarah Morris. This year’s set pays homage to the Cup’s host country with nearly a dozen prints by artists born or living on the African continent. Published by BrandsUnited, an official FIFA licenser, and available from David Krut in New York and South Africa, 2,010 of each are available.
- 5/27/2010
- Fast Company
The actress at the centre of an alleged child abuse scandal on the set of 1980s TV show Hey Dad! has urged molestation victims to report the crime to authorities, likening the process to therapy.
Sarah Monahan, who was nine when she joined the show, went public earlier this year with shocking claims that an unnamed man molested her while she was a child star on the Australian series.
Another unnamed woman came forward alleging she was also abused on set and Monahan flew back to her native Australia from Los Angeles to make an official complaint to police.
The star, now 33, is convinced revealing all about the harrowing experience has helped her, and she's urging other sexual assault victims to do the same.
In a post on her website, Monahan writes, "For anyone still scared of going to the police, I encourage you to do so.
"While, yes, you do have to go into every little detail, think of it as therapy. They're there to help you. It wasn't nearly as brutal as I thought it was going to be, however it was still over 35 hours spent giving my testimony to the police."
The actress has since been signed up as an ambassador for major Australian child protection organisation Bravehearts.
Sarah Monahan, who was nine when she joined the show, went public earlier this year with shocking claims that an unnamed man molested her while she was a child star on the Australian series.
Another unnamed woman came forward alleging she was also abused on set and Monahan flew back to her native Australia from Los Angeles to make an official complaint to police.
The star, now 33, is convinced revealing all about the harrowing experience has helped her, and she's urging other sexual assault victims to do the same.
In a post on her website, Monahan writes, "For anyone still scared of going to the police, I encourage you to do so.
"While, yes, you do have to go into every little detail, think of it as therapy. They're there to help you. It wasn't nearly as brutal as I thought it was going to be, however it was still over 35 hours spent giving my testimony to the police."
The actress has since been signed up as an ambassador for major Australian child protection organisation Bravehearts.
- 5/19/2010
- WENN
Sarah Monahan has revealed that the recent police inquiry into her alleged child abuse on the set of Hey Dad! was therapeutic. The actress, who recently accused on-screen father Robert Hughes of abusing her on set 20 years ago, said that she had to endure more than 35 hours of police questioning as part of their investigation into the allegations. Monahan told The Daily Telegraph: "For anyone still (more)...
- 5/18/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Sarah Monahan has been praised by national sexual assault advocacy group Braveheart. The Australian actress, who recently spoke out about the alleged abuse she suffered at the hands of her former Hey Dad! co-star Robert Hughes when she was a child, has been asked to become an ambassador for the organisation. Braveheart founder Hetty Johnson told The Daily Telegraph that Monahan is a "very courageous young woman", adding that the group's hotline (more)...
- 4/5/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
The actress at the centre of the alleged child abuse scandal on the set of 1980s TV show Hey Dad! has been signed up as an ambassador for a major Australian child protection organisation.
Sarah Monahan was nine years old when she joined the show and went public in March with shocking claims that an unnamed man molested her while she was a star on the Australian series.
The allegations sparked a media frenzy Down Under, and another unnamed woman reportedly came forward with allegations that she was also abused on set.
Monahan has been living in Los Angeles in recent years, but jetted back to Australia to meet with police last month.
On Tuesday, she spoke to child protection campaigner Hetty Johnston, who founded Aussie children's charity Bravehearts, and has agreed become a spokesperson for the organisation in a bid to help other abuse victims.
Johnston says, "She's lovely... she's amazing. She's pretty pleased with the way everything has worked out, and feels a lot stronger. She feels validated, that's a good thing.
"4.4 million Australians have been sexually assaulted, and she wants to help us stop more children from being harmed.
"Down the track, when she's more able, we'll hopefully get her out here, get her speaking at some events. In the meantime she'll be working on things online for us from the States."...
Sarah Monahan was nine years old when she joined the show and went public in March with shocking claims that an unnamed man molested her while she was a star on the Australian series.
The allegations sparked a media frenzy Down Under, and another unnamed woman reportedly came forward with allegations that she was also abused on set.
Monahan has been living in Los Angeles in recent years, but jetted back to Australia to meet with police last month.
On Tuesday, she spoke to child protection campaigner Hetty Johnston, who founded Aussie children's charity Bravehearts, and has agreed become a spokesperson for the organisation in a bid to help other abuse victims.
Johnston says, "She's lovely... she's amazing. She's pretty pleased with the way everything has worked out, and feels a lot stronger. She feels validated, that's a good thing.
"4.4 million Australians have been sexually assaulted, and she wants to help us stop more children from being harmed.
"Down the track, when she's more able, we'll hopefully get her out here, get her speaking at some events. In the meantime she'll be working on things online for us from the States."...
- 4/3/2010
- WENN
Sarah Monahan's husband has arrived in Australia. Matt Morris, whose wife recently revealed that she was molested by her former Hey Dad! on-screen father when she was a child, finally arrived in Sydney this week after being refused entry into the country a week ago because of an expired passport. A friend of Monahan, who lives in Texas with Morris, told The Daily Telegraph: "Leaving him behind could have (more)...
- 4/1/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Sarah Monahan said that she was "terrified" about her recent reunion with her former Hey Dad! co-stars. The former child star, who recently accused fellow cast member Robert Hughes of molesting her on the set of the show nearly 20 years ago, flew into Melbourne from her home in Texas last week to file a police report. Monahan, who was greeted by her closest castmates Simone Buchanan, Julie McGregor, Chris Truswell, Chris Mayer and Matthew Krok, told Woman's Day magazine: "It’s been almost 20 years (more)...
- 3/30/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Sarah Monahan has revealed that she is pleased that she revealed her child abuse secret. The former Hey Dad! child star, who recently accused her on-screen dad of molesting her on the set of the Australian sitcom nearly 20 years ago, said that she has been criticised for speaking out now. Monahan told Woman's Day magazine that she will always be "angry" about the abuse she and other girls allegedly suffered at the hands of Robert Hughes. The 32-year-old said: "I've (more)...
- 3/30/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Sarah Monahan is expected to make an official police statement today against her former-on-screen father. The 32-year-old actress, who played Jenny Kelly in Australian sitcom Hey Dad! between the ages of 9 and 12, has accused Robert Hughes of inappropriately touching her on set and exposing himself on numerous occasions. Another statement given to police reportedly states that Hughes would ask to be woken on set from a daily (more)...
- 3/29/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Eight more people have come forward about the alleged sexual assault on the set of '80s Australian TV sitcom Hey Dad! Since actress Sarah Monahan claimed that her on-screen father Robert Hughes molested her as a child, other cast members, crew and relatives of the actor have made formal statements for the police. The Sunday Telegraph reports that a former guest actor, a wardrobe assistant, a relative of Hughes and several family friends are among the new witnesses. (more)...
- 3/29/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
The actress at the centre of the alleged child abuse scandal on the set of 1980s TV show Hey Dad! has flown back to her native Australia to make an official complaint to police.
Sarah Monahan, who was nine years old when she joined the show, recently went public with shocking claims that an unnamed man molested her while she was a child star on the Australian series.
The allegations sparked a media frenzy Down Under, and another unnamed woman reportedly came forward with allegations that she was also abused on set.
The 32 year old has been living in Los Angeles in recent years, but has now flown back to Australia to take her case to the police.
She tells the country's Channel Nine TV network, "As soon as people said 'you need to go to the police' I was at the airport within three hours and caught the first flight out. We're headed straight to the police."
Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec, of the New South Wales Sex Crimes Squad, confirmed police have already started collating information and are ready to take a statement from Monahan.
He adds, "A number of police have been assigned and are ready to take up any follow up investigations or inquiries that need to be done. Police need to see detailed allegations by any victims to determine what crime or crimes have been committed."...
Sarah Monahan, who was nine years old when she joined the show, recently went public with shocking claims that an unnamed man molested her while she was a child star on the Australian series.
The allegations sparked a media frenzy Down Under, and another unnamed woman reportedly came forward with allegations that she was also abused on set.
The 32 year old has been living in Los Angeles in recent years, but has now flown back to Australia to take her case to the police.
She tells the country's Channel Nine TV network, "As soon as people said 'you need to go to the police' I was at the airport within three hours and caught the first flight out. We're headed straight to the police."
Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec, of the New South Wales Sex Crimes Squad, confirmed police have already started collating information and are ready to take a statement from Monahan.
He adds, "A number of police have been assigned and are ready to take up any follow up investigations or inquiries that need to be done. Police need to see detailed allegations by any victims to determine what crime or crimes have been committed."...
- 3/26/2010
- WENN
Another actress from Hey Dad! has come forward and accused co-star Robert Hughes of molesting her when she was 18 years old. Simone Buchanan, who played elder daughter Debbie Kelly on the Australian TV show, said that she reported Hughes to executive producer Gary Reilly after Hughes "flashed" 10-year-old co-star Sarah Monahan and "inappropriately" touched her while driving her home after filming. Buchanan told A Current Affair that she took on the role of Monahan's protector when her on-screen sister confided in her about the abuse. "I (more)...
- 3/26/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Police in Australia have yet to launch an investigation into allegations of child abuse on the set of 1980s sitcom Hey Dad! - because they can't begin work until one of the alleged victims makes an official complaint.
Sarah Monahan, who played schoolgirl Jenny Kelly on the show between 1987 and 1994, recently went public with claims she was molested by an unnamed man during her time on the series.
The story sparked a media frenzy Down Under, and another unnamed woman reportedly came forward with allegations that she was also abused on set.
Some reports claimed police in Australia had launched an investigation, but Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec, of the New South Wales Sex Crimes Squad, insists cops have yet to be approached by either of the alleged victims.
He says, "Our information is based on what's in the media. I've had no direct contact - and neither has anyone else in Nsw Police - with any of the victims. If victims make contact with police it'll be taken in strict confidence. Investigators are collating this information... and if there's a witness to be interviewed those investigators are ready. I have an expectation they'll come forward.
"It's based on small pieces of information that have come towards me today that we'll hopefully be able to arrange to meet and speak with these people."...
Sarah Monahan, who played schoolgirl Jenny Kelly on the show between 1987 and 1994, recently went public with claims she was molested by an unnamed man during her time on the series.
The story sparked a media frenzy Down Under, and another unnamed woman reportedly came forward with allegations that she was also abused on set.
Some reports claimed police in Australia had launched an investigation, but Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec, of the New South Wales Sex Crimes Squad, insists cops have yet to be approached by either of the alleged victims.
He says, "Our information is based on what's in the media. I've had no direct contact - and neither has anyone else in Nsw Police - with any of the victims. If victims make contact with police it'll be taken in strict confidence. Investigators are collating this information... and if there's a witness to be interviewed those investigators are ready. I have an expectation they'll come forward.
"It's based on small pieces of information that have come towards me today that we'll hopefully be able to arrange to meet and speak with these people."...
- 3/25/2010
- WENN
Actor Robert Hughes is considering legal action after an Australian news show linked him to sexual abuse allegations made by a former child star on the set of 1980s TV show Hey Dad!.
Police in Australia launched an investigation earlier this month after Sarah Monahan, now 32, came forward with claims an unnamed man molested her during her time on the show, which she joined aged nine.
Another unnamed woman has since claimed she was also abused.
Australian news programme A Current Affair named Hughes - who played Monahan's onscreen father on the show - as the alleged perpetrator on Wednesday.
He immediately voiced his anger at the claim, admitting he's "shocked" and "puzzled" by the allegation, and is currently consulting lawyers over the scandal.
Hughes tells the Nine network, "I am absolutely totally shocked at the allegation and I absolutely deny everything.
"I am absolutely puzzled as to why this is being said now. Everything now is in the hands of defamation lawyers."...
Police in Australia launched an investigation earlier this month after Sarah Monahan, now 32, came forward with claims an unnamed man molested her during her time on the show, which she joined aged nine.
Another unnamed woman has since claimed she was also abused.
Australian news programme A Current Affair named Hughes - who played Monahan's onscreen father on the show - as the alleged perpetrator on Wednesday.
He immediately voiced his anger at the claim, admitting he's "shocked" and "puzzled" by the allegation, and is currently consulting lawyers over the scandal.
Hughes tells the Nine network, "I am absolutely totally shocked at the allegation and I absolutely deny everything.
"I am absolutely puzzled as to why this is being said now. Everything now is in the hands of defamation lawyers."...
- 3/24/2010
- WENN
Police in Australia have launched an investigation after a former child star alleged she was sexually abused on the set of a 1980s TV show.
Former Hey Dad! star Sarah Monahan, now 32, was nine years old when she joined the cast of the hit sitcom and recently came forward with allegations an unnamed man molested her during her time on the show.
Monahan, who played schoolgirl Jenny Kelly between 1987 and 1994, made the revelations in a recent interview with Australia's Woman's Day magazine and she's now spoken to the country's Nine TV network about her shocking claims.
Police are investigating the case and Monahan has revealed she intends to co-operate, along with another unnamed woman who has alleged she was also abused and was given the courage to come forward after Monahan went public.
Monahan says, "I guess I was the smallest, and I know I wasn't the only one. The others are just still not going to speak about it. I knew he was a dirty old man. I knew it, but I was paying the rent essentially, so there wasn't much you could do... and it was always, 'Keep it hushed, because this is the most successful show on television and people don't want to know that.'
"A lot of people knew, but it was, 'You can't talk about it. You can't go public. You can't press charges,' and then he's a very powerful person, and it becomes 'he said/she said'. I think that they (her alleged attacker) should definitely burn in hell. I think they should go to jail."...
Former Hey Dad! star Sarah Monahan, now 32, was nine years old when she joined the cast of the hit sitcom and recently came forward with allegations an unnamed man molested her during her time on the show.
Monahan, who played schoolgirl Jenny Kelly between 1987 and 1994, made the revelations in a recent interview with Australia's Woman's Day magazine and she's now spoken to the country's Nine TV network about her shocking claims.
Police are investigating the case and Monahan has revealed she intends to co-operate, along with another unnamed woman who has alleged she was also abused and was given the courage to come forward after Monahan went public.
Monahan says, "I guess I was the smallest, and I know I wasn't the only one. The others are just still not going to speak about it. I knew he was a dirty old man. I knew it, but I was paying the rent essentially, so there wasn't much you could do... and it was always, 'Keep it hushed, because this is the most successful show on television and people don't want to know that.'
"A lot of people knew, but it was, 'You can't talk about it. You can't go public. You can't press charges,' and then he's a very powerful person, and it becomes 'he said/she said'. I think that they (her alleged attacker) should definitely burn in hell. I think they should go to jail."...
- 3/23/2010
- WENN
The former executive producer of Hey Dad! has revealed that there were rumours of a second actor being a victim of inappropriate sexual conduct on set. Actress Sarah Monahan, who played Jenny Kelly in the '80s Australian sitcom, last week revealed that a male on the show fondled her and exposed himself. Producer Gary Reilly told Channel 9 that he arranged for a chaperone to shadow another young actor on the show after "rumours and innuendo" surrounded them. He said: "I approached the person on several occasions (more)...
- 3/22/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Sarah Monahan has revealed that a man sexually abused and exposed himself to her on the set of Hey Dad! nearly 20 years ago. The Australian actress, who played Jenny Kelly in the TV comedy from the age of nine, said that she has mentally "blocked out" large sections of her childhood as a result of the abuse that she suffered at the hands of a man who cannot be named for legal reasons. Monahan told Woman's Day magazine: "A lot of people ask me questions about Hey Dad! but I've erased huge portions of my time on the show from my (more)...
- 3/19/2010
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Former child actress Sarah Monahan has shocked fans in her native Australia by alleging she was sexually abused on the set of 1980s sitcom Hey Dad!.
The 32 year old shot to fame when she was nine years old playing school girl Jenny Kelly on the show, which ran Down Under from 1987 to 1994.
Monahan has now opened up about her time on the series, alleging she was molested by an unnamed man but was too scared to speak up in case she lost her job.
She tells Australia's Woman's Day magazine, "This person used to sit me on his lap or tickle me, but then he started putting his arm around me and trying to do this reach-around and grabbing me, but at the same time trying to feel me up. He was always there flashing me or trying to cop a feel.
"I quickly learned never to be alone in private with him, especially when he started flashing me."
Monahan has not named the man, or stated whether he was a worker on the show.
The actress' former co-star Julie McGregor has spoken to an Australian TV network about the revelations and admits she's shocked by Monahan's claims.
She tells Nine Network, "I had heard something but I had no idea the extent of the monstering... and I feel sorry for her that there was no one that she could feel she could turn to. I think whoever this person was was very clever. They knew how to operate."
Monahan now runs a TV production company in the U.S. with her husband.
The 32 year old shot to fame when she was nine years old playing school girl Jenny Kelly on the show, which ran Down Under from 1987 to 1994.
Monahan has now opened up about her time on the series, alleging she was molested by an unnamed man but was too scared to speak up in case she lost her job.
She tells Australia's Woman's Day magazine, "This person used to sit me on his lap or tickle me, but then he started putting his arm around me and trying to do this reach-around and grabbing me, but at the same time trying to feel me up. He was always there flashing me or trying to cop a feel.
"I quickly learned never to be alone in private with him, especially when he started flashing me."
Monahan has not named the man, or stated whether he was a worker on the show.
The actress' former co-star Julie McGregor has spoken to an Australian TV network about the revelations and admits she's shocked by Monahan's claims.
She tells Nine Network, "I had heard something but I had no idea the extent of the monstering... and I feel sorry for her that there was no one that she could feel she could turn to. I think whoever this person was was very clever. They knew how to operate."
Monahan now runs a TV production company in the U.S. with her husband.
- 3/18/2010
- WENN
Sex-abuse claims on 1980s sitcom as former cast member speaks out.
Allegations made by a former cast member of long-running Australian sitcom Hey Dad..! have come as a shock to viewers who remember the Channel Seven show for the laughter.
Former child actress Sarah Monahan, now resident in the USA, has told Woman's Day magazine that while she played the role of 10-year-old "Jenny Kelly" in the sitcom she was the victim of sexual abuse.
She made claims about an unnamed male connected with the production which ran from 1987 to 1994.
"This person used to sit... More >>...
Allegations made by a former cast member of long-running Australian sitcom Hey Dad..! have come as a shock to viewers who remember the Channel Seven show for the laughter.
Former child actress Sarah Monahan, now resident in the USA, has told Woman's Day magazine that while she played the role of 10-year-old "Jenny Kelly" in the sitcom she was the victim of sexual abuse.
She made claims about an unnamed male connected with the production which ran from 1987 to 1994.
"This person used to sit... More >>...
- 3/18/2010
- by David Knox
- TV.com
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