The short version
- The trial of Alan Jones continues with testimony from a former driver regarding an alleged incident at Crown Towers.
- The complainant described feeling pressured to maintain intimate contact with the broadcaster to preserve his employment standing.
- Jones faces multiple charges of indecent assault and sexual touching, all of which he has denied.
A Sydney court heard testimony on Monday detailing an alleged incident in which former radio broadcaster Alan Jones kissed a young man inside the walk-in wardrobe of a luxury hotel suite. The account was provided by Complainant C, a former driver for the 85-year-old media personality, who is currently standing trial on 20 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual touching involving men. Jones has entered not guilty pleas to all charges.
The incident in question reportedly took place in the early 2010s at Crown Towers in Melbourne. According to court testimony, Complainant C and a friend were visiting the city for a sporting event and accepted an invitation to drink in Jones’s room. The accommodation was identified as the personal suite of James Packer, the executive chairman of Crown Resorts, who is not accused of any wrongdoing in this matter.
While watching television, the group was served drinks by staff. Complainant C stated that Jones subsequently invited him alone for a tour of the suite, leaving his friend behind in the lounge area. The two men entered a large walk-in wardrobe, where Jones allegedly told him he had missed him and then kissed him. The complainant testified that he physically pushed the broadcaster away and requested to return to their companion.
Prosecutor Georgina Wright clarified during proceedings that this specific event is not one of the eight charges directly related to Complainant C. However, the testimony serves to illustrate the nature of the interactions between the two men. The court heard that Jones ceased his actions after being pushed away, and the pair returned to the lounge room without the complainant disclosing the incident to his friend at that time.
Complainant C described a prolonged period during which he felt compelled to maintain a relationship with Jones out of professional necessity. He testified that romantic and intimate text messages from the broadcaster continued for years after he ceased working at 2GB radio. The complainant stated he felt pressured to invite Jones to his wedding to remain in the broadcaster’s favor, describing the dynamic as an effort to curry favor rather than genuine affection.
The emotional toll of these interactions was highlighted when Complainant C recounted telling his father-in-law about the alleged abuse years later. This disclosure occurred after his relative suggested that victims of sexual misconduct were motivated by financial gain or a desire for fame, referencing the Harvey Weinstein scandal. The complainant stated that such dismissive attitudes initially prevented him from speaking out, fearing damage to his reputation as a new father.
Further testimony revealed that Complainant C eventually spoke with 2GB broadcaster Ray Hadley in October 2019, after learning that journalist Peter FitzSimons was researching a story about Jones. The complainant described breaking down while recounting the details to Hadley, expressing deep distress over the behavior he had endured. He agreed to speak with FitzSimons on the condition that his identity remain protected.
The trial is ongoing before Judge Glenn Walsh at the Downing Centre local court. Complainant C expressed embarrassment regarding some of the flirty messages he sent to Jones, attributing them to a desire to manage the broadcaster’s perception of him rather than mutual romantic interest. The case continues to unfold as more evidence and witness accounts are presented in the coming weeks.
This development marks a significant phase in the legal proceedings against Jones, who has faced intense public scrutiny since the allegations emerged. The testimony underscores the complex power dynamics at play within the media industry and the personal barriers victims face when seeking accountability. Legal experts note that the court will carefully weigh these accounts against the defense’s arguments as the trial progresses.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗Alan Jones allegedly kissed young man in wardrobe of James Packer’s personal suite at Crown Towers, court hears
