Tony Jones has broken his silence over AFL WAG Rebecca Judd’s shocking claim at the Brownlow Medal that he was “scared” of her after he tried to kiss her on live television in 2016.
The 62-year-old Channel Nine sports presenter attended the Brownlow Awards on Monday night alongside Judd, 41. She reportedly avoided speaking to her, prompting Judd to joke that he was “scared” of her.
“I was a little disappointed (Jones didn’t approach me). I thought he was going to be joking!” Judd told the media that night.
“But he was actually scared. He had a fearful look in his eyes.”
Jones later responded to Judd’s shocking claim on Nine News, revealing that there was indeed some truth to her bold assertion.
“Was I scared last night? Absolutely! I thought I had some options here, plant another one or let him go. I chose to let him go.”
Judd and Jones both attended the AFL night of nights in Melbourne on Monday, but did everything they could to avoid bumping into each other.
In 2020, Jones admitted that he still… tormented by the time he tried to kiss former weatherman Rebecca Judd live on television in 2016.
Tony Jones (pictured) has broken his silence on AFL WAG Rebecca Judd’s shocking claim at the Brownlows that he was ‘scared’ of her after he tried to kiss her on live TV in 2016
Speaking with 3AW‘s Neil Mitchell about the painful moment, Tony vowed he would “walk off the set” if the network ever tried to rebroadcast the footage.
The journalist was ridiculed for years for the awkward incident on various Nine programs, including The Footy Show, and was even ridiculed by Hamish and Andy at the 2017 Logie Awards.
The incident with Rebecca took place on Nine News Melbourne in August 2016, when Tony wanted to give her a kiss on the cheek before she went on maternity leave.
“Good luck, Bec!” he said, before leaning forward, as the WAG instinctively pulled back and screamed, before bursting out laughing.
Jones previously admitted he is still haunted by the time he tried to kiss then weather presenter Rebecca Judd on live television in 2016
When Tony realized he had just been rejected on camera, he crossed his arms and grunted, “Okay, fine, I’m fine,” as his face turned red.
In March 2020, Tony revealed the truth behind the shocking moment, saying he was supposed to give Rebecca flowers but someone forgot to buy them.
In a moment of panic, he decided to simply kiss her on the cheek, but the gesture was not well received.
The 62-year-old Channel Nine sports presenter attended the Brownlow Awards on Monday night with Judd, 41, and reportedly tried to avoid speaking to her, prompting Judd to joke that he was “scared” of her