The short version
- FitzSimons testified that the alleged victim was tearful and emotionally traumatized during a 2019 phone call regarding past incidents.
- The complainant described being touched inappropriately by Jones, including under a table at a lunch event and while driving for the broadcaster.
- Defense counsel highlighted FitzSimons' public criticism of Jones, questioning potential bias while noting minor discrepancies in physical descriptions.
Peter FitzSimons, a columnist for the Sydney Morning Herald, provided testimony at the Downing Centre local court regarding his interactions with an alleged victim in the trial of broadcaster Alan Jones. The witness described a telephone conversation he had with the complainant, identified as C, in October 2019. According to FitzSimons, the man was tearful and appeared emotionally traumatized when recounting events that allegedly occurred a decade earlier.
The court heard details of specific allegations made by C during that call. The complainant stated that Jones had pushed him against a lift wall and kissed him at the broadcaster’s apartment in Circular Quay. Additionally, C described an incident at a Christmas lunch where Jones allegedly gripped his penis under the table while two other men, including 2GB broadcaster Jason Morrison, laughed at his discomfort.
FitzSimons recounted that C also alleged inappropriate touching occurred while he was driving for Jones. The complainant told FitzSimons that Jones would touch his leg and penis during these drives. C expressed feeling revolted by the behavior but also deeply upset about his own reaction, stating he had not explicitly said no but kept pushing the broadcaster away.
The relationship between C and Jones began when C was a junior employee in his early twenties. FitzSimons testified that C described Jones as paying attention to him and offering compliments, which made the young man feel thrilled to be noticed by such a prominent figure. Jones eventually offered C a job as a driver. However, the dynamic shifted, with C reporting that between compliments, Jones would occasionally give him a blast.
FitzSimons was introduced to C by fellow 2GB broadcaster Ray Hadley. FitzSimons took contemporaneous notes on his computer during the conversation and later shared them with investigative reporter Kate McClymont. Hadley previously told the court that the conversation lasted between thirty and forty minutes. After speaking with C, Hadley informed FitzSimons that the complainant was emotionally fragile and spiraling, leading FitzSimons to agree not to pursue a story at that time.
During cross-examination by defense barrister Gabrielle Bashir SC, attention turned to FitzSimons’ notes and public statements. Bashir questioned FitzSimons about discrepancies in his accounts, specifically noting that he referred to Jones touching C’s thigh in one instance and his knee in another. FitzSimons acknowledged the difference, stating it was a matter of two inches.
The defense also highlighted FitzSimons’ long-standing public criticism of Jones. Bashir pointed out that before speaking with C, FitzSimons had written in the Herald describing Jones as a malignant tumor on the body politic that should be excised. FitzSimons did not retract these comments, stating he was proud of the line and stood by his previous assertions that Jones bullied people and provided a platform to controversial figures.
Alan Jones has pleaded not guilty to twenty charges of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching involving six men. Eight of these charges relate specifically to complainant C. The trial, presided over by Judge Glenn Walsh, continues as the court examines the credibility of witnesses and the details of the alleged misconduct.
The testimony underscores the complex dynamics between powerful media figures and junior staff members. It also highlights the challenges in reporting on historical allegations where emotional trauma and delayed disclosure are factors. The case remains a significant legal proceeding in Australia’s media landscape, with implications for workplace conduct and accountability.
As the trial progresses, further evidence is expected to be presented regarding the interactions between Jones and his employees. The court will continue to evaluate the consistency of accounts and the reliability of witnesses. The outcome may have broader repercussions for how media organizations handle complaints of misconduct and protect vulnerable staff members.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗SMH columnist Peter FitzSimons tells Alan Jones trial alleged victim was ‘revolted’ by abuse
