Alan Jones has denied allegations that he indecently assaulted or touched young men during his broadcasting career. Sydney's Radio 2GB responded to the claims.
Jones – who was Australia's most powerful and influential broadcaster from 1985 to 2020 as host on 2UE and 2GB – has “vehemently” denied the allegations, which were published by The Sydney Morning Herald on Thursday morning.
The report included allegations about Jones' behavior towards a former 2GB employee, a waiter, an aspiring musician and a young businessman who has since died.
2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham – Jones' successor in the role – said Jones was considered innocent until proven guilty.
“This is not an easy topic for us to address here at 2GB as there are serious allegations involving someone who has called this place home for almost two decades,” he told listeners.
“But as Alan knows better than anyone, we don't hide from difficult topics here.
Alan Jones has denied allegations that he indecently assaulted or touched young men at the height of his broadcasting career
2GB Breakfast presenter Ben Fordham – Jones' successor in the role – told listeners on Thursday morning that Jones was considered innocent until proven guilty
“The allegations come from several people, including someone who worked here for years, but they have not been proven.
'They are denied by Alan Jones. You would have heard me say this many, many times on this program and I'll say it again: the accused is innocent until proven guilty. And we want to emphasize that.'
One of Jones' accusers, a former 2GB employee, claimed Jones had “wandering hands” as he drove the radio star from 2GB's studio to his Circular Quay apartment.
Another claimed about his behavior in a restaurant. Other claims involved a young businessman who has since died and a young Queenslander who claimed he sent Jones a photo of himself with his shirt off.
A spokesperson for Jones' lawyers, Mark O'Brien Legal, told the Sydney Morning Herald: 'Our client denies ever indecently assaulting the individuals referred to in your letter, and your suggestion that he did so is scandalous, grossly offensive and seriously defamatory of him.”