Auckland entertainer Cole Johnston named following sexual offending charges

Tuesday 5 August 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Tue 5 Aug 2025, 10:46pm

Cole Johnston, a 28-year-old singer and musical theatre performer, can now be named after being charged with grooming and raping a girl aged 12 to 15. The alleged offences occurred in Auckland between 2017 and 2021. Johnston denies the allegations, and the National Youth Theatre states the charges do not relate to his time working there.

How they headlined it

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1. StuffTue 5 Aug 2025, 5:07pm

   Auckland entertainer accused of grooming, raping underage girl can be named (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldTue 5 Aug 2025, 5:27pm

   Auckland entertainer accused of raping, grooming girl named as actor/musician Cole Johnston (opens in new tab)

3. RNZTue 5 Aug 2025, 10:46pm

   National Youth Theatre says rape and grooming charges against Cole Johnston don't relate to time working there (opens in new tab)