Channel Nine has been forced to apologize to former Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce after mistakenly using his name in a graphic during a segment about an alleged sexual assault case.
Broadcaster Alan Jones pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to 34 charges relating to alleged indecent assaults on young men over almost two decades.
During Nine News Sydney’s coverage of the case, a caption appeared with the name Alan Joyce, instead of Alan Jones.
“Earlier in our report into the allegations against Alan Jones, an incorrectly named graphic was published and we apologize for that error,” news presenter Georgie Gardner said later in the programme.
It comes as Jones was hit with new charges after allegations were made by a tenth alleged victim, who repeatedly claimed the embattled broadcaster kissed him and grabbed his genitals.
Shortly before his appearance at Downing Center Local Court, eight additional charges of indecent assault were laid in relation to the tenth plaintiff, bringing the charges against Jones to 34, including 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault when the alleged victim was under his authority.
New allegations from ‘plaintiff J’ include that Jones kissed him on the mouth, touched his genitals and that on one occasion he squeezed Plaintiff J’s penis while he masturbated, court documents seen by The Australian plead.
Supporting himself with the help of a cane, the 83-year-old emphatically denied the allegations after a brief hearing at Sydney’s Downing Center Local Court.
Nine News Sydney news presenter Georgie Gardner was forced to issue a humiliating on-air apology on Wednesday night.
During Nine’s coverage of the case, a caption appeared with the name Alan Joyce, instead of Alan Jones.
“I am certainly not guilty and I will present my story to a jury as you heard this morning,” Jones told the crowd of waiting media.
“All of these accusations are unfounded or distort the truth.”
Jones said police did not give him a chance to respond to any of the claims before his arrest.
“I have never indecently assaulted these people… I am emphatic that I will defend all charges before a jury in due course,” he said.
Jones’ attorney, Bryan Wrench, told the court his client welcomed the opportunity to clear his name in a jury trial.
“There have been many… lies published by the media and police about this matter,” Mr Wrench said.
‘The arrests were largely choreographed and scripted. “He was always going to face these accusations.”
The charges presented above relate to alleged crimes that took place between 2001 and 2019, and that the youngest of the complainants was 17 years old at the time.
The alleged offenses occurred at Jones’ former residence in Newtown, his luxury apartment in Circular Quay and in Fitzroy Falls and Mittagong in the Southern Highlands.
Previous allegations leveled against Jones include that he rubbed the inner thigh and genitals of several former employees and attempted to kiss others on the mouth and squeeze their butts.
As the case attracted significant media interest, Chief Magistrate Michael Allen was forced to ask some journalists to wait outside the court while other matters were called.
“The court will address the issue that I am sure interests most of you at the appropriate time,” he said.
Broadcaster Alan Jones was charged with eight further charges shortly before appearing in a Sydney court on Wednesday (pictured) over historic allegations including indecent assault.
Jones’ attorney, Bryan Wrench (pictured standing to his left), told the court his client would welcome a jury trial to clear his name.
Police arrested the renowned broadcaster at his luxury apartment in Sydney’s Circular Quay in November.
Another alleged victim came forward shortly after the highly publicized arrest, which led to authorities filing two additional charges at the time.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb previously said it was anticipated other complainants would come forward after the allegations became public.
“There is no matter that is too old to be investigated,” he said.
“What I would say to the alleged victims is that… you will be heard and we will take your matter seriously.”
Jones began a hugely influential life on the airwaves in 1985 after a failed career in politics, becoming a feared interviewer who excelled at grilling leaders while dividing audiences with his outspoken, conservative views.
He worked with Sydney radio station 2UE before joining rival 2GB, where he was a ratings giant for a long time.
Jones also coached the Australian men’s national rugby team between 1984 and 1988 and his tenure included a number of historic achievements for the Wallabies.
These included a host of wins on their tour of the British Isles in 1984 and coaching the team to Australia’s first Bledisloe Cup victory in New Zealand in 39 years in 1986.
Strike Force Bonnefin was hired in March to investigate media reports conveying allegations of abuse by Jones.
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National Support Service for Reparation and Sexual Abuse 1800 211 028