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 indecent assault and sexual touching.
‘Alan Jones is my friend and he is entitled to the presumption of innocence,’ Mr Packer said in a short statement to The Australian Financial Review.
‘Alan is a dear, dear friend who I love, and it’s 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 on Monday and faces charges indecent assault and sexual touching
Jones, 83, has been placed on bail following his arrest for 24 alleged offences on Monday morning.
Nine alleged victims have come forward to make accusations against the high-profile broadcaster, who wielded political and public influence on the airwaves for decades
The charges include 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault where the alleged victim was under his authority, nine counts of indecent assault, two of unwanted sexual touching and two common assault charges.
The offences Jones has been charged with allegedly took place 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.
‘Just thinking about you and all the good times we’ve had together and all the kind things you have done for me,’ Mr Packer said on air.
Mr Packer, whose family famously owned the Nine network up until 2006, has also been reported to be an investor in right-wing online media producer Australian Digital Holdings (ADH TV) where Jones was last employed.
Mr Jones has been off ADH TV broadcasts since taking leave in March.
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