Police in Australia have charged former radio show host Alan Jones with 24 assault and sexual touching offences following accusations in a newspaper that he had assaulted young men for decades. The 83-year-old man, widely identified as Jones, was arrested in Sydney, where the offences allegedly took place between 2001 and 2019 against 8 victims, some of whom Jones knew professionally or personally. The youngest victim was 17 at the time of the offence. More alleged victims are expected to come forward now that charges have been laid.
Jones, a well-known conservative “shock jock” who hosted radio shows for decades, denied assault allegations made against him last year. He had worked at a digital start-up after leaving 2GB, where he anchored the popular Sydney breakfast show for 18 years. Known for his sharp questions and tongue, Jones faced defamation lawsuits many times and had been off the air since the Sydney Morning Herald allegations surfaced.
A former schoolteacher, Jones was also a successful coach of Australia’s national rugby union team, leading them to a Grand Slam tour of Britain and Ireland in 1984. Despite the charges, Jones made no comments as he was seen arriving at a police station surrounded by media. The police confirmed the arrest and charges against him, saying the “energy” generated by the newspaper stories had helped bring the case to court. Jones has yet to comment on the recent charges.
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