Awkward moment Channel Nine is forced to make a grovelling apology after embarrassing blunder during a segment on Alan Jones’ sexual assault trial
Channel Nine has been forced to apologize to former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce after accidentally using his name in an image during a segment about an alleged sexual assault case.
Broadcaster Alan Jones pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to 34 charges relating to alleged indecent assault on young men over almost two decades.
During Nine News Sydney’s coverage of the case, a caption appeared with the name Alan Joyce, instead of Alan Jones.
“Earlier in our report on the allegations against Alan Jones, an incorrect name image was displayed and we apologize for that error,” newsreader Georgie Gardner said later in the programme.
It comes as Jones faced new charges after accusations were made by a tenth alleged victim, who repeatedly claimed the embattled broadcaster kissed him and grabbed his genitals.
Shortly before his appearance at Downing Center Local Court, a further eight charges of aggravated indecent assault were laid in relation to the tenth complainant, bringing the count against Jones to 34, including 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault involving the alleged victim was under his authority.
The new allegations from ‘plaintiff J’ include that Jones kissed him on the mouth, touched his genitals and that on one occasion he squeezed complainant J’s penis while masturbating his own penis, court documents seen by The Australian to claim.
Supporting himself with the help of a cane, the 83-year-old emphatically denied the allegations after a brief hearing at Sydney’s Downing Center Local Court.
Nine News Sydney newsreader Georgie Gardner was forced to issue a groveling apology on Wednesday night
During Nine’s coverage of the case, a caption appeared with the name Alan Joyce, instead of Alan Jones
“I am certainly not guilty and I will present my story to a jury, as you heard this morning,” Jones told the crowd of waiting media.
“These accusations are all baseless or they distort the truth.”
Jones said police did not give him an opportunity to respond to the allegations before his arrest.
“I have never indecently assaulted these people… I emphasize that I will defend any charge before a jury in due course,” he said.
Jones’ lawyer Bryan Wrench told the court his client welcomed the opportunity to clear his name at a trial before a jury.
“There have been many… untruths published by the media and police in this matter,” Mr Wrench said.
“The arrests were largely choreographed and scripted. He would always respond to these allegations.”
The previously imposed charges relate to alleged crimes that occurred between 2001 and 2019, with the youngest of the complainants being 17 years old at the time.
The alleged crimes took place at Jones’ former home in Newtown, his luxury Circular Quay apartment and in Fitzroy Falls and Mittagong in the Southern Highlands.
Previous allegations against Jones include that he rubbed the inner thighs and genitals of multiple former employees and attempted to kiss others on the lips and squeeze their buttocks.
As the case attracted a lot of media attention, Chief Magistrate Michael Allen was forced to ask some journalists to wait outside the court while other cases were heard.
“The court will, at the appropriate time, address the matter which I am sure will be of interest to most of you,” he said.
Broadcaster Alan Jones faced a further eight charges on Wednesday, shortly before appearing in court in Sydney (pictured) on landmark charges including indecent assault.
Jones’ lawyer Bryan Wrench (pictured to his left) told the court his client would welcome a jury trial to clear his name
Police arrested the renowned broadcaster at his luxury apartment on Sydney’s Circular Quay in November.
Another alleged victim came forward shortly after the highly publicized arrest, leading authorities to file two additional charges at the time.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb previously said other complainants were expected to come forward after the allegations became public.
“There is no such thing as a case that is too old to be investigated,” she said.
“What I would like to say to the alleged victims is that… you will be listened to and we will take your case seriously.”
Jones began a hugely influential life on the air in 1985 after a failed career in politics. He became a feared interviewer who excelled at grilling leaders while dividing the public with his outspoken, conservative views.
He worked at radio station 2UE in Sydney before joining rival 2GB, where he was a long-time ratings giant.
Jones also coached the Australian national men’s rugby team between 1984 and 1988 and his tenure included a number of historic achievements for the Wallabies.
These included a host of victories during their tour of the British Isles in 1984 and coaching the side to New Zealand’s first Bledisloe Cup victory in 39 years in Australia in 1986.
Strike Force Bonnefin was set up in March to investigate media reports airing allegations of abuse by Jones.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redressal Support Service 1800 211 028