Author and journalist Peter FitzSimons stated in a Sydney court on Thursday that he remains "almost proudly" opposed to talkback radio host Alan Jones, whom he previously described in print as a "malignant tumour on the body politic." FitzSimons was testifying in Jones's trial, which involves 22 charges of indecent assault and sexual touching without consent.
FitzSimons recounted his initial contact with Jones in 1982 when Jones, then a rugby union coach, sought to recruit him for a team. At the time, FitzSimons praised Jones, who later coached the national Wallabies team, as an "absolutely brilliant" coach. However, FitzSimons also acknowledged in print that he had accused Jones of bullying, lying, and pursuing personal agendas.
When questioned by Jones's barrister, Gabrielle Bashir SC, about his 2018 description of Jones as a "malignant tumour on the body politic of this city, this state and this country and the sooner he is excised the better," FitzSimons confirmed he was "very proud of that" and stood by the statement. He agreed with Bashir's suggestion that he was and remains "publicly and unashamedly anti-Jones," adding, "Almost proudly."
Bashir has argued that media rivals are instrumental in the case against Jones, characterizing it as driven by rivalry, hatred, and deceit. The court heard that prominent radio broadcaster Ray Hadley, a rival of Jones, connected FitzSimons with a former radio staffer who had disclosed alleged indecent assaults by Jones. FitzSimons testified that he was researching similar allegations about Jones at the time and had been offered background information by Hadley.
The complainant in question faces eight charges related to alleged unwanted kisses in lifts and groping while driving and at an event. FitzSimons told the court that this individual had become deeply distressed and tearful when confiding in him years later about the alleged assaults. According to FitzSimons, the complainant described Jones as "the most important, the most powerful person at 2GB" – Sydney's leading radio station at the time – and recalled being "drawn into his orbit." FitzSimons said the interactions included compliments mixed with "occasional blasts."
FitzSimons testified that the complainant recounted an incident where Jones allegedly placed his hand on his knee while driving and moved it to his groin, an advance that was pushed away. The complainant, FitzSimons stated, made it clear he was "revolted at what happened but he was also deeply upset at himself for not being stronger," appearing "completely emotionally traumatised."
Under cross-examination, FitzSimons accepted that his police statement described Jones's hand as being on the man's thigh, a distinction he downplayed as "a matter of inches." The complainant also allegedly recounted an incident in a lift at Jones's home where, with laden hands, he was pushed against the wall by Jones, his groin grabbed, and was kissed "romantically."
FitzSimons stated that after a phone conversation with the complainant, he recognized the individual was panicking and spiraling and therefore decided not to pursue the allegations further. He was unable to go to the police himself because he did not know the complainant's identity.
Alan Jones, 85, has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which span alleged incidents between 2003 and 2020 across Sydney and the NSW Southern Highlands. His defense has dismissed the allegations from six complainants as false. Jones, a retired broadcaster with a 35-year career in television and radio, has not publicly reacted to FitzSimons' testimony in court.