James Packer breaks his silence on the arrest of his close friend Alan Jones
Billionaire businessman James Packer said he would continue to “love and support” his “dear, dear friend” Alan Jones following the former talkback radio king’s arrest on charges of assault and sexual touching.
“Alan Jones is my friend and he is entitled to the presumption of innocence,” Packer said in a brief statement to The Australian Financial Review.
“Alan is a dear, dear friend who I love, and it is a pleasure to support him.”
Billionaire businessman James Packer (pictured right) said he would continue to support his ‘dear, dear friend Alan Jones (pictured left)
Jones was arrested Monday and is charged with assault and sexual touching
Jones, 83, has been released on bail following his arrest for 24 alleged offenses on Monday morning.
Nine alleged victims have come forward to make accusations against the high-profile broadcaster, which wielded political and public influence on the airwaves for decades.
The charges include eleven counts of aggravated indecent assault where the alleged victim was under his authority, nine counts of indecent assault, two counts of unwanted sexual touching and two counts of common assault.
The crimes Jones is accused of allegedly occurred between 2001 and 2019.
Three days after Jones announced his retirement from radio in May 2020, Mr Packer called into his 2GB show to wish him well.
“I just think about you and all the good times we had together and all the sweet things you did for me,” Mr. Packer said on air.
Mr Packer, whose family owned the Nine network until 2006, is also believed to be an investor in right-wing online media producer Australian Digital Holdings (ADH TV), where Jones last worked.
Mr. Jones has not aired any ADH TV broadcasts since his leave in March.
