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Broadcaster Alan Jones has stepped down as chairman of the Talent Development Project Foundation a day after he was hit by claims he had preyed on young men and indecently assaulted them. Jones denies all the allegations.
TDP chief executive Anne Fitzgerald issued a brief statement on Friday afternoon, saying that Jones “has notified the board of the Talent Development Project Foundation that he will step aside as chair while he resolves his defamation action against the media”.
“This will allow the TDP to continue undistracted with its mission to expand and develop the creative talent of young Australian musicians.”
On Thursday, an investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age revealed that the radio star allegedly used his position of power to prey on a number of young men, indecently assaulting, groping or inappropriately touching them without their consent.
One of the alleged victims, a musician, said that in 2008 Jones allegedly grabbed him and kissed him.
The musician alleges Jones had obtained his phone number when he was a teenager and part of the Talent Development Project, which assists government high school students in developing their musical talents. Jones was on the TDP board and frequently invited high school students to perform on his radio show or at private events that he hosted.
As the fallout from the allegations spread on Thursday, Jones said he would launch legal action as the claims were “demonstrably false”, billionaire James Packer spoke out in support of the broadcaster, and 2GB’s Ray Hadley revealed he cut contact with Jones after one of the complainants told him similar allegations “some time ago”.
Brad Webster, a former 2GB employee who does not want his real name used, alleged in the investigation that while driving the broadcaster home from the studio, Jones would “go the grope, he’d rub my penis”.
Jones issued a statement via his lawyers on Thursday, saying all the claims in the story were “demonstrably false”.
Webster told Channel Nine on Thursday night: “I stand by my claims. I’m not seeking compensation or further attention.”
“I simply told the truth; a truth that has been an extreme burden on me for many years. To read Alan’s response suggesting the story is false makes me sick to the stomach. He knows what happened – simple as that.”
In response to the statement from Jones’ lawyers, Tory Maguire, the executive editor of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, also defended the investigation.
“We stand by Kate McClymont’s diligent and thorough reporting on this matter and commend the bravery of the men who have come forward to tell their difficult stories,” Maguire said.
When contacted by this masthead on Thursday, Fitzgerald said: “As you can imagine, there is a lot for us to take in right now.”
TDP is a Sydney talent school involved in nurturing high school-aged singers, musicians and performers. Deputy chairwoman Pam Christie will now become acting chairwoman following the decision by Jones to step aside.
The statement said the TDP executive “would not be providing any further comment on this matter”.
On Thursday, its website described Jones as “instrumental” in the development of its students’ and graduates’ careers.
“Alan regularly interviews and promotes the students on his shows and opens many doors for them in the music and entertainment business,” the website said.
By Friday afternoon, all references to Jones had been removed.
Jones was contacted for comment on Friday.
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