Auckland entertainer sexual offending trial

The story so far

An Auckland entertainer has denied allegations of raping and grooming an underage girl, and said he is deeply shaken and will fight the charges.^{31 Jul 2025} He was initially charged earlier in 2025 with sexual violation and indecent assault, and could not be named at that stage.^{31 Jul 2025} On 5 August 2025 he was named as Cole Johnston, a 28-year-old singer and musical theatre performer, after being charged with grooming and raping a girl aged 12 to 15.^{5 Aug 2025} The alleged offences took place in Auckland between 2017 and 2021, and Johnston denies them.^{5 Aug 2025} The National Youth Theatre said the charges do not relate to his time working there.^{5 Aug 2025}

Latest

Johnston appeared in the Auckland District Court on a Tuesday in late August 2025, facing several charges including grooming and rape.^{26 Aug 2025} A trial date has been scheduled for August.^{26 Aug 2025}

What's next

A trial has been scheduled for August.^{26 Aug 2025}

Key moments

1. 31 Jul 2025Entertainer denies rape and grooming charges involving an underage girl; cannot be named
2. 5 Aug 2025Singer Cole Johnston named after being charged with grooming and rape
3. 5 Aug 2025National Youth Theatre says the charges do not relate to his work there
4. 26 Aug 2025Johnston appears in Auckland District Court; trial date set for August

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.