In brief
Alan Jones, the former Australian talk radio host, was arrested on Monday in Sydney on multiple counts of sexual abuse.
The 83-year-old, known for his controversial media presence, has been charged with nearly two dozen offenses, including aggravated indecent assault and sexual contact without consent. He has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear in court on December 18. The allegations involve eight victims from 2001 to 2019, including a 17-year-old, with New South Wales police confirming that the alleged abuser knew his victims personally or professionally.Jones, who hugely impacted the Australian media landscape while hosting a popular morning show on 2GB radio from 2002 to 2020, has faced previous accusations of wrongdoing, which he has denied. The police investigation was revived following a December 2023 article in The Sydney Morning Herald, detailing accusations against him by multiple men. The authorities described the inquiry as “complex” and have urged any other victims to come forward. In a press conference, state police commissioner Karen Webb highlighted the protracted nature of this investigation, which began earlier in the year. Known for his derogatory comments and controversial remarks during his broadcasting career, Jones previously made headlines for his disparaging comments about political figures and community groups, receiving a reprimand from a state tribunal for inflammatory speech.
