Alan Jones' denials leave alleged victim 'sick to the stomach'
One of the men who alleged that Alan Jones indecently assaulted him has described feeling “sick to the stomach” after the broadcaster emphatically denied the claims.
On Thursday an investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age revealed that the radio star allegedly used his position of power to prey on a number of young men, indecently assaulting, groping or inappropriately touching them without their consent.
Broadcaster Alan Jones has threatened legal action over allegations of indecent assault that he denies.Credit: Nine Radio
As the fallout from the allegations spread on Thursday: Jones said he would launch legal action as the claims were “demonstrably false”; billionaire James Packer spoke in support of the broadcaster; and 2GB’s Ray Hadley revealed he cut contact with Jones after one of the complainants told him similar allegations “some time ago”.
Brad Webster, a former 2GB employee who does not want his real name used, alleged in this masthead that, while driving the broadcaster home from the studio, Jones would “go the grope, he’d rub my penis”.
“During those 10 minutes it would be wandering hands, and then it just gradually became him grabbing my dick. And he would go for it,” Webster said. “It was horrible.”
Jones issued a statement via his lawyers on Thursday, saying the claims in the story were “demonstrably false”.
“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,” the statement said, adding that Jones would launch defamation proceedings.
Webster told Channel Nine: “I stand by my claims. I’m not seeking compensation or further attention.
“I simply told the truth; a truth that has been an extreme burden on me for many years. To read Alan’s response suggesting the story is false makes me sick to the stomach. He knows what happened – simple as that.”
In response to the statement from Jones’ lawyers, Tory Maguire, the executive editor of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, also defended the investigation.
“We stand by Kate McClymont’s diligent and thorough reporting on this matter and commend the bravery of the men who have come forward to tell their difficult stories,” Maguire said.
Hadley told listeners to his 2GB radio program on Thursday morning that he severed contact with Jones after Webster disclosed to him allegations of indecent assault by the veteran broadcaster.
Hadley told listeners he had met “some time ago” with former employee Webster, who made allegations in “acute detail”.
Hadley said this masthead’s reporting concurred with what Webster told him. He said since hearing the accusations from the former employee his relationship with Jones ended.
“From the day I spoke to Bradley our relationship was basically severed, given it had already been strained over other matters not related to the allegations made by Bradley.”
2GB morning host Ray Hadley cut off contact with Alan Jones.
Hadley told listeners Webster approached him about having a meeting, during which he told him his story.
“I regard this young man as not being an attention seeker or a person who seeks notoriety but rather directly the opposite,” he said.
“Bradley now has a life far removed from this radio station. I was obviously aware he worked with Alan Jones when he first started at the station.
“He told me at the start of our conversation that what he is alleging had never been shared with anyone except for me on that day. He asked for my complete assurance that I would not share the story with anyone unless he expressly gave me permission.
“In the next 40 minutes I sat silently as he went through the allegations documented in today’s story, interrupted only by his tears as he tried to compose himself. It was a very emotional conversation for both of us.
“The behaviour he was alleging was unwanted sexual advances from a person in the position of power – that being his boss, Alan Jones.”
Hadley said Bradley described in acute detail what he alleged had occurred and told Hadley that, by sharing his story, it was the first time he felt unburdened.
“At the time, I offered Bradley my unqualified support and I asked him what he wanted me to do next,” Hadley said.
“I offered to speak to the then-station owner and then-station chairman, or perhaps act as a support person. Bradley said he had too much to lose and he’d be crushed by making such an allegation. He asked me to promise I would never reveal what we had discussed without his express permission.”
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Hadley said Webster had now given him permission to reveal details of the conversation.
In response to detailed questions sent to Jones by this masthead, law firm Mark O’Brien Legal said in a statement on Wednesday: “Our client denies ever having indecently assaulted the persons referred to in your letter, and your suggestion that he has is scandalous, grossly offensive and seriously defamatory of him.”
Asked to respond to the reports, billionaire James Packer, a close friend of Jones, said: “I have only ever found Alan Jones to be a man of the highest integrity. You can quote me on that.”
Jones remains chairman of the board of Talent Development Project, a Sydney talent school heavily involved in nurturing high school-aged singers, musicians and performers.
On its website, TDP describes Jones as “instrumental” in the development of its students’ and graduates’ careers.
“Alan regularly interviews and promotes the students on his shows and opens many doors for them in the music and entertainment business,” TDP’s website says.
TDP chief executive officer Anne Fitzgerald said on Thursday morning: “As you can imagine, there is a lot for us to take in right now. I will respond more formally later today.” However, later on Thursday Fitzgerald said the school “won’t be making a statement tonight”.
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