Talkback radio host Alan Jones is facing 22 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching without consent, as detailed in proceedings at the NSW Local Court. Jones, 85, has pleaded not guilty to all offenses. The allegations involve six men and span incidents said to have occurred between 2003 and 2020 in Sydney and the NSW Southern Highlands.
One of the complainants, a former radio station staffer, testified that he was a longtime fan of Jones before meeting him at an event. "I grew up as a talkback radio fan, so every morning it was routine to listen to Alan," the staffer told the court. "I was starstruck."
The staffer, who was 18 when he began working at a station where Jones was a prominent voice, described it as a dream to work with the broadcaster. He is expected to tell the court that Jones made inappropriate comments, including calling him "darling" and asking about his genitals. The allegations also include claims of groping while the staffer was driving, unwanted kissing in elevators at Jones's home and the radio station, and indecent assault under a table at a crowded event.
During her opening address, crown prosecutor Georgina Wright SC indicated the staffer would testify that he felt his media career could be jeopardized if he overtly rejected Jones's advances. The defense, led by barrister Gabrielle Bashir SC, has suggested that "rivalry, treachery, double dealing, money, hatred, desperation, opportunism and more are at the heart of this case," accusing the former employee of rewriting his history with the broadcaster.
The first complainant in the marathon hearing, an athlete who met Jones at about 14 years old, previously gave evidence over six days detailing nine alleged indecent assaults. Jones has denied all allegations, which reportedly occurred during the latter part of his 35-year broadcasting career. Jones also had a national presence as a commentator on Nine’s Today show and a host on Sky News.