Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

A well-known Australian broadcaster and former rugby coach has been charged with sexual offenses involving eight alleged victims over a span of nearly two decades.

What’s the deal: According to Australian police, Alan Jones, a prominent broadcaster and former national rugby union coach, has been charged with 24 offenses related to alleged sexual misconduct spanning from 2001 to 2019. The charges include 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault, nine counts of lewd acts, and other sexual offenses involving eight alleged victims, one of whom was 17 years old at the time. Police allege that some victims knew Jones personally or professionally, while others were assaulted during their first encounter with him.

Assistant Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald praised those who came forward. In a statement, he said, “Historical matters such as this are incredibly hard to investigate and bring before the courts and I again congratulate them on their ongoing investigation that will continue.” He noted that their investigation into Jones had been going on for years.

Jones responds: Despite the accusations and charges against him, Jones has firmly denied any wrongdoing, with his lawyer, Chris Murphy, stating that Jones will “assert his innocence” in court. Murphy described the allegations as “scandalous, grossly offensive, and seriously defamatory,” emphasizing that Jones “denies any misconduct” and will vigorously defend the charges.

Criticizing the police’s handling of the case, Murphy called Assistant Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald’s public praise of the alleged victims “contemptible,” asserting, “This is a matter for a courtroom and I believe he is in terrible breach of that.”