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AUSTRALIA — Australian veteran broadcaster, Alan Jones has pleaded not guilty to 34 count charges bothering on sexual abuse involving 10 young men for nearly two decades.
He is facing 34 charges related to alleged incidents occurring between 2001 and 2019, including 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault.
Mr Jones, a prominent figure in Australian media and a former coach of the national rugby union team, had previously denied the allegations reported by The Sydney Morning Herald in 2023.
Jones who is speaking publicly for the first time since his arrest last month stated, “I have never indecently assaulted these people.
“I want you to understand this: these allegations are all either baseless or they distort the truth, and you should know that prior to my arrest I was given no opportunity by police to answer any of these allegations.”
Mr Jones was apprehended at his Sydney apartment on 18 November by detectives from the New South Wales (NSW) Police Child Abuse Squad, who conducted a search of his harbour-front property and seized electronic devices.
Initially charged in relation to eight individuals, including a 17-year-old boy, the police have since added further charges and continue their investigations. All charges, except for two counts of common assault, are sexual offences.
According to NSW Police’s Michael Fitzgerald, some of the alleged victims had personal connections with Mr Jones, and at least one was employed by him. Others were allegedly assaulted upon first meeting him.
Mr Jones, a longstanding fixture on Sydney’s 2GB radio station, balanced his radio duties with television commentary roles until his retirement from full-time work in 2020 due to health issues.
Known for his polarising presence, Mr Jones commanded one of Australia’s largest audiences but frequently courted controversy.
