Veteran Australian broadcaster and former Wallabies coach, Alan Jones, has been charged with sexually abusing seven men and a 17-year-old boy.
The 83-year-old was arrested at his Sydney apartment early Monday morning as detectives from the New South Wales (NSW) Police Child Abuse Squad conducted a search of the property, seizing electronic devices.
Jones, a prominent media figure in Australia, had previously denied similar allegations reported by The Sydney Morning Herald in 2023.
He now faces 24 charges related to alleged incidents that occurred between 2001 and 2019, including 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault. All but two of the charges, which involve common assault, are sexual offences.
According to NSW Police, some of the alleged victims were personally acquainted with Jones, including at least one who had worked for him.
Others reportedly experienced assault during their first meeting with him, Detective Michael Fitzgerald told reporters.
“I wish to commend the victims and their bravery in coming forward. [They] have now got the ability to have a voice. This is what they’ve been asking for,” he said.
Commissioner Karen Webb earlier said police had conducted a “very complex”, “protracted” and “thorough” investigation, and expected other alleged victims may now come forward.
“There’s no such thing as a matter that’s too old to be investigated,” she said at a press conference.
“You will be listened to, and we will take your matter seriously.”
Mr Jones has been granted conditional bail, and will face court on 18 December.
A former teacher, Mr Jones coached Australia’s national rugby union team between 1984 and 1988, before pivoting to a radio career.
He also, at times, worked as a speechwriter and advisor for Liberal Party figures – including former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser – and launched several failed bids to represent the party in both state and federal politics.
Alan Jones, a longtime fixture on Sydney airwaves through his role on local station 2GB, balanced his radio career with television commentary roles before retiring from full-time work in 2020 due to health concerns.
A polarising figure, Jones commanded one of Australia’s largest audiences for years but frequently drew criticism for his controversial remarks.
In 2012, he sparked outrage by suggesting that then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s father had “died of shame.” Similarly, in 2019, his comment that someone should “shove a sock” down the throat of New Zealand’s then-leader, Jacinda Ardern, led to a significant advertiser boycott.
Jones has also faced numerous successful defamation lawsuits over the course of his career.