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NBCNov 07
Australia: Former Radio Host Charged With Sexually Abusing Eight People
Above: Alan Jones speaks during a State Memorial service for Betty Cuthbert at Sydney Cricket Ground on Aug. 21, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. Image copyright: Matt King - Pool/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Alan Jones, a retired Australian radio host and former head coach of the country's rugby union team, was on Monday arrested on charges of sexually abusing eight males between 2001 and 2019.
The 83-year-old was taken into police custody from his Sydney apartment at around 7:45 am local time following a "long, thorough, protracted" investigation, police said. They conducted a search of his home and seized electronic devices.
The Spin
Narrative A
Once the towering figure of Australian media, mutterings over Jones' actions are not new. However, news of his alleged misconduct is a grim revelation that the household name is unlikely to come back from. Questions must be asked about why such a prominent figure in Australian life was allowed to abuse his power and get away with these crimes for so long.
Narrative B
Jones is innocent until proven guilty. The allegations are grave but also seem out of character for a man who has been scrutinized in the spotlight by Australian media for decades. As with any case, the legitimacy of these allegations must be judged in court before any conclusions can be made in good faith.