Brett Lee reaches out to Alan Jones amid assault allegations
While Alan Jones’ inner-circle was notably quiet on Thursday, some surprise names did show him support a day later.
A day after Alan Jones’ inner-circle was notably quiet, a surprise name publicly offered him support.
On Thursday, veteran broadcaster Jones vehemently denied allegations he indecently assaulted four young men.
The former talkback host on Sydney’s 2GB radio, who for decades was one of the country’s most influential and feared commentators, allegedly used his position of power to prey on a number of young men, an investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald claims.
Jones, 82, through his lawyers Mark O’Brien Legal, told the newspaper, “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.”
O’Brien said the law firm had retained Senior Counsel and planned to launch defamation proceedings.
While a number of Jones’ high-profile friends were reportedly reluctant to support him publicly on Thursday, he received a strong endorsement from former Test cricketer and Fox Cricket identity Brett Lee.
“What I can say is I’ve known Alan Jones for close to 30 years as my mentor … he’s been through the ups and downs of my professional career. A very close family friend,” Lee said as reported by The Daily Telegraph.
“In those 30 years the unwavering support he’s given me, the way he’s so loyal, he’s just an absolute true gentleman, and that’s all I can say.
“He’s been fantastic to me. He’s helped so many people that not anyone even knows about.”
Billionaire James Packer also offered a short statement of support to the Telegraph, stating:
“I have always found Alan Jones to have the highest integrity.”
Jones has a long association with sport in Australia, having coached both the Wallabies and the Balmain Tigers prior to his two-decade run with 2GB.
The broadcaster is credited with helping a number of sports stars over the years, including Mark Philippoussis and Olympic diver Matthew Mitcham.
2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham addressed the front-page story on his program on Thursday, noting it would be “confronting for many 2GB listeners”.
“It involves allegations against Alan Jones,” 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.
“Alan knows better than anyone that we don’t shy away from challenging topics, that’s why we’re talking about this case here and now.
“The story that’s been published today doesn’t just impact Alan Jones, it also impacts a number of people who’ve made allegations against him including a former staffer from 2GB.”
Fordham said it was “not an easy topic for us to cover at 2GB, because they’re 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,” he said.
“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.
“You would have heard me say this many times on this program and I’ll say it again now — the accused is innocent until proven otherwise.”
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