Hey, Dad! producer confronted man in abuse claims

In response to claims of sexual abuse on the set of 1980s sitcom Hey, Dad!, producer Gary Reilly has told A Current Affair he acted upon what he was told at the time.

“Some people said they felt uncomfortable. Others said there was nothing going on,” he said.

“But I then continued and confronted the person who was mentioned.”

Reilly says he got a vehement and angry denial from the person concerned.

“I then contacted the network, because I felt we had a decision… I contacted senior officials at the network and contacted the parents of the other person who is suggested was involved.

“Our first priority at all times was the young person in question.

“All we were really working on was gossip and innuendo. But that had to be acted upon. And so we did act upon it.”

Reilly says he hired a full time chaperone and told the senior crew to be on alert. He says he couldn’t act any further without a formal complaint.

“It was flatly denied. No complaint was ever made, but action had to be taken.

“You cannot sack or name someone and ruin their entire career on rumour and innuendo. That is morally and legally not acceptable. This is the dilemma we were all faced with.”

Reilly, whose series has enjoyed the status of being Australia’s longest-running sitcom ever, was angry about the show’s reputation being tarnished by the claims and the man at the centre of the scandal.

“If I ever see him again it will be far too soon,” he said.

Grimshaw was direct with her questions to Reilly.

“I put it to you that you knew what was being done to Sarah Monahan,” she said.

“She was young girl who took people into her confidence and people tried to help her. And who would they go to to help her but you? And you said, ‘Keep this a secret. This remains a secret. Tell nobody. Otherwise you will not work again.'”

“I categorically deny that,” said Reilly. “I cannot say it any more times. It’s just not true.”

On Monday ACA has an interview with Sarah Monahan.