Singer Tina Arena's past social media comments have resurfaced following the conviction of her ex-husband, entertainment manager Ralph Carr, for rape and sexual assault. Carr, prosecuted under his full name Ralph Carnovale-Carr, was found guilty last Tuesday of two charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault.
Carr was accused by a woman of raping her at his West Melbourne home in March 2023 after they had been drinking and using cocaine. He has consistently denied the allegations. A suppression order, initially in place to protect Carr's mental health and safety, had been active for three years. This order prevented his identity from being revealed until the conclusion of his trial.
Seven months prior to the conviction, after news emerged that a high-profile Victorian man had been charged in the case, Arena commented on a post by Australia Femicide Watch. The post read, "Another high-profile Victorian has been charged with rape - and once again we can't name them." Arena responded, "Time catches up with everyone. I think I know who it is, and looking forward to it being revealed."
Arena has not made a public statement regarding her ex-husband's conviction. Carr and Arena were married for four years, from 1995 to 1999. He managed her early career after she transitioned from a teen performer. In her autobiography, "Now I Can Dance," Arena described their marriage as "disgraceful" and stated she had been financially set back as a result of it, calling it "a wonderful business transaction, from his perspective."
Carr, who had previously represented clients including Kate Ceberano, Richard Wilkins, AFL player Dustin Martin, and singer Vanessa Amorosi, remained active in the entertainment industry until his remand. Martin issued a statement after the suppression order was lifted, confirming he had ended his professional relationship with Carr.
During the trial, the jury heard that the victim was hugged by Carr before he touched her and subsequently raped her twice. The jury, composed of nine women and three men, returned unanimous verdicts of guilty after less than three days of deliberation.
Carr's defense barrister, Dermot Dann KC, maintained his client's innocence and indicated an intention to appeal the convictions. Mr. Dann had successfully argued for the suppression order, citing concerns for Carr's mental health. Multiple media organizations had opposed the order, with media lawyer Justin Quill describing the attempt to conceal Carr's identity as "extraordinary." Although the order was expected to expire upon the guilty verdict, Mr. Dann applied for an interim gag order, which was later revoked when Carr decided not to pursue it.
Carr is currently in custody awaiting a pre-sentence hearing. His name was leaked on social media and in online forums during the period the suppression order was in effect.
