Alan Jones, a veteran Australian broadcaster and former Wallabies coach, faces charges of sexually abusing seven men and a 17-year-old boy.
An 83-year-old man was apprehended at his Sydney apartment early Monday morning. Detectives from the New South Wales Police Child Abuse Squad conducted a search of the harbour-front property, during which they seized electronic devices.
Mr Jones stands as a prominent figure in Australia’s media landscape, having previously refuted allegations of abuse that were first reported by The Sydney Morning Herald in 2023.
The individual is currently confronting 24 charges related to purported incidents that occurred between 2001 and 2019, which encompass 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault.
The majority of the charges filed are related to sexual offences, except two counts of common assault.
Authorities reported that several of the purported victims had personal connections to the radio mogul, with at least one having been in his employ.
Michael Fitzgerald of NSW Police informed reporters that others were reportedly assaulted during their initial encounter with him.
Victims deserve recognition for their courage in stepping forward. They now possess the opportunity to express their opinions. “This is what they have been requesting,” he stated.
Commissioner Karen Webb previously stated that police had carried out an investigation that was described as “very complex,” “protracted,” and “thorough.” She expressed anticipation that additional alleged victims might now step forward.
“No matter how much time has passed, every case deserves investigation,” she stated during a press conference.
“Your concerns will be acknowledged, and we assure you that your issue will be treated with the utmost seriousness.”
Mr Jones has received conditional bail and is scheduled to appear in court on December 18.
Mr Jones, a former educator, led Australia’s national rugby union team from 1984 to 1988 before transitioning into a radio career.
At various points in his career, he served as a speechwriter and advisor for prominent figures within the Liberal Party, including former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser. He failed to secure the party’s representation in state and federal political arenas.
Mr. Jones has been a prominent figure on Sydney’s local station, 2GB, balancing his radio responsibilities with television commentary roles for decades. He retired from full-time work in 2020, citing health concerns.
The broadcaster has long been a divisive presence, consistently attracting one of the largest audiences in the country while frequently generating controversy.
In 2012, he garnered significant media attention for his controversial remark suggesting that the father of then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard had “died of shame.” Fast forward to 2019, he encountered a substantial advertiser boycott following his inflammatory comment that someone should “shove a sock” down the throat of Jacinda Ardern, who was New Zealand’s leader at the time.
Mr. Jones has faced multiple successful defamation lawsuits throughout his career.
