Alan Jones returns to Australia, amid abuse allegations
Source: NewsCorp
Veteran broadcaster Alan Jones has returned to Australia, months after he was accused of indecently assaulting several young men throughout his career.
The talkback host revealed the news in a 5½-minute video given to News Corp mastheads on Sunday, in which he blamed his prolonged absence on health issues.
Jones said he had intended to resume his duties with right-wing online media network ADH TV in February, but was prevented from doing so by his ill health.
He said medical tests conducted last week meant he won’t be heading back to work straight away.
Jones said he sought medical attention “to address traumatic pain, among other things”, and his “poor” overall health diagnosis meant he had been advised to stop working.
“I have suffered no mental ageing, but I am living with two choices – constant pain where painkillers become totally ineffective or powerful medication with side effects including loss of agility and movement and erratic sleep,” Jones said.
“I’ve every intention of returning to broadcasting eventually. It is what I do; my work has been my life.
“So long as I feel things need to be said, I will say them.”
The news came months after a Sydney Morning Herald investigation, published in December, uncovered allegations that Jones had used his position of power to prey on young men.
The accusers ranged from a waiter to a former 2GB staffer.
“During those 10 minutes, it would be wandering hands and then it just gradually became him grabbing my d–k. And he would go for it,” the latter told SMH.
“He knew I wasn’t gay, so it was about power dynamics.
“I would be driving and he would have put his hand on my leg, and then you’d sort of push his hand away, just try and wriggle out. But you’re driving, you’re absolutely trapped … he’d go the grope, he’d rub my penis.”
At the time, Jones denied what he called “scandalous, grossly offensive” claims.
He has yet to face any police charges related to the allegations.
“I’m not going to dwell here on the allegations made about me other than I refute them entirely and the inferences associated with them,” he said in his new video.
“But the ‘get Jones’ campaign is nothing new in my life.”
While Jones left Australia for Britain late last year, he said he had been back in Australia for several weeks.
After almost two decades of hosting his hit 2GB radio show and following a short stint with Sky News, Jones joined ADH TV in 2021.
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