Veteran Australian broadcaster and former Wallabies coach Alan Jones, 83, has been charged with sexually abusing seven men and a 17-year-old boy.
Jones was taken into custody on Monday morning at his Sydney apartment. Detectives from the New South Wales (NSW) Police Child Abuse Squad conducted a search of his harbour-front property, seizing electronic devices as part of their investigation.
The charges, spanning alleged incidents between 2001 and 2019, include 24 counts, 11 of which are aggravated indecent assault. All but two charges, which involve common assault, are sex offences.
Police say some alleged victims were personally acquainted with Jones, with at least one having been employed by him. Others reported being assaulted during their first meeting with the prominent media figure.
Michael Fitzgerald of NSW Police commended the bravery of those who came forward. “They now have a voice. This is what they’ve been asking for,” he stated.
Commissioner Karen Webb described the investigation as “complex,” “protracted,” and “thorough.” She urged other potential victims to come forward, reassuring them, “There’s no such thing as a matter that’s too old to be investigated. You will be listened to, and we will take your matter seriously.”
Jones has denied the allegations, first raised in a 2023 report by The Sydney Morning Herald. He has been granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear in court on 18 December.
A former teacher, Jones served as head coach of Australia’s national rugby union team from 1984 to 1988 before transitioning to a highly influential career in radio broadcasting. He became a dominant voice on Sydney’s 2GB station, where he remained a staple for decades, while also engaging in TV commentary.
Jones retired from full-time work in 2020 due to health issues but remains a polarizing public figure. Known for his controversial commentary, he has faced significant backlash over inflammatory remarks, including suggesting in 2012 that then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s father “died of shame” and calling for a gag on New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in 2019.
Jones’s influence extended beyond broadcasting. He worked as a speechwriter and advisor for prominent Liberal Party figures, including former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, and made unsuccessful attempts to enter politics himself.
The new charges add to his contentious legacy, which also includes multiple defamation suits. As the investigation continues, authorities expect additional alleged victims to come forward.
Chioma Kalu
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