Lawyers acting for former radio broadcaster Alan Jones have issued a Concerns Notice to kick of defamation proceedings against Nine Newspapers, and its reporter Kate McClymont, after the publication of “demonstrably false” allegations of indecent assault committed by Mr. Jones.
Mr. Jones’ lawyers, Mark O’Brien Legal, issued an initial statement just hours after the story was published on the online front page of major newspaper mastheads The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
“In the short time available since publication, we have obtained substantial factual information which contradicts and refutes the alleged pattern of conduct by Mr Jones,” a statement by Mark O'Brien that was sent to The Epoch Times read.
“We have retained senior counsel and have instructions to immediately serve a Concerns Notice under Section 12A of the Defamation Act as the first step in the commencement of defamation proceedings.
“There will be no further comment by or on behalf of Mr. Jones.”
On the morning of Dec. 7, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age published a 4000-word article alleging that Mr. Jones indecently assaulted four young men without their consent.
Other claims made against Mr. Jones included that he used his position of power to “prey on a number of young men,” the article said, which included groping or inappropriately touching young men without their consent.
‘Innocent Until Proven Otherwise’: Fordham
Earlier on Dec. 7, 2GB host Ben Fordham—who took over from Mr. Jones’ radio slot when he retired—said the story impacted several people, including a former staffer.Nine Entertainment owns both The Sydney Morning Herald and 2GB.
“The allegations have come from multiple people, including one who worked here for many years. But they have not been proven. They are denied by Alan Jones … the accused is innocent until proven otherwise,” Mr. Fordham said.
“We have reached out to Alan this morning to tell his side of the story. He has already offered a denial to The Sydney Morning Herald,” Mr. Fordham said, adding that it was “not an easy topic” for the radio station to cover.
“There are serious allegations involving someone who called this place home for nearly 20 years. But as Alan knows better than anyone we don’t hide around here from tough topics.”
Meanwhile fellow 2GB host Ray Hadley told listeners on the same day that one of the men in the story, previously told him about the allegations against Mr. Jones, but Mr. Hadley was told not to tell anyone.
“As a fierce supporter of anyone who finds themselves in this type of situation, my support and actions are always guided by the alleged victims,” Mr. Hadley said. “If they asked me not to pursue the matter, I respect their wishes.”
“I regard this young man as not being an attention seeker or a person who seeks notoriety, but rather directly the opposite.”
In an email sent to staff, Nine’s Managing Director of Radio Tom Malone said the story might “be distressing for current or former employees.”
“We take our responsibility to create a supportive and respectful workplace very seriously,” wrote Mr. Malone and HR director Vanessa Morley, reported the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
“[We] continue to work with people across all parts of the business to support anyone impacted historically or currently to resolve issues that may arise in their day-to-day roles.”
Mr. Jones, one of Australia’s most prominent conservative voices, was host of Sydney’s 2GB radio for two decades before retiring in May 2020 for health reasons.
He then hosted The Alan Jones Program on Sky News Australia, and now hosts his own program on ADH TV. He is also a contributor to The Epoch Times.
Mr. Jones was a former coach for the Wallabies rugby team, and a former senior advisor and speechwriter to Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser.
