Australia: Former Radio Host Charged With Sexually Abusing Eight People
Australia: Former Radio Host Charged With Sexually Abusing Eight People
The Facts
Alan Jones, former Australian radio host and head coach of the country's rugby union team, was on Monday arrested on charges of sexually abusing eight males between 2001-2019.
The 83-year-old was taken into police custody from his Sydney apartment at around 7:45am local time following a "long, thorough, protracted" investigation, police said. They conducted a search of his home and seized electronic devices, they added.
The Spin
Once the towering figure of Australian media, mutterings over Jones's sexuality are not new. However, news of his alleged misconduct is a grim revelation that the household name is unlikely to come back from. Questions must be asked of why such a prominent figure in Australian life was allowed to abuse his power and get away with these crimes for so long.
Jones is innocent until proven guilty. The allegations are grave, but also seem out of character for a man who has been scrutinized in the spotlight by Australian media for decades. As with any case, the legitimacy of these charges must be judged in court before any conclusions can be made in good faith.
