In the wake of Alan Jones‘ arrest, it was only a matter of time before hosts from his former network Sky News gave him glowing character witnesses. And sure enough, Peta Credlin wished her “friend” well on television last night, as all proper journalists do to someone accused of indecent assault.
On Monday morning Alan Jones, one of the most powerful men in Australia, was arrested by police as the result of a nine-month strike force investigation into historic indecent assault and sexual touching offences.
The investigation began after allegations were reported by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age (owned by Nine, also the owner of this website) last December. Jones adamantly denied any wrongdoing took place, and plans to fight the charges.
In the immediate aftermath of Jones’ shocking arrest, satire outlets were quick to joke about how people close to him will be rushing to defend his character.
Tony Abbott begins drafting another character referencehttps://t.co/2qSaKahzyu
— The Chaser (@chaser) November 18, 2024
But because reality is stranger than fiction, this prediction had come true not even a day later, thanks to Sky News host Peta Credlin.
Peta Credlin defends her friend Alan Jones
In the face of 24 charges and eight alleged victims (two more charges concerning a ninth alleged victim have since been laid), Credlin showed her journalistic prowess and ability to look at a story without bias, by declaring the allegations to be “entirely out of character” with the Jones she knows.
“I’ve known Alan well for nearly two decades, and seen him in many different contexts, and the behaviour alleged is entirely out of character with the man I’ve known,” Credlin said.
She then proceeded to describe how the justice system works in Australia, and stressed how “as a lawyer”, she knows it is essential Jones remain innocent until proven guilty.
Disgusting comments from peta credlin. Wishes her friend well, makes insinuations that cops have treated him unfairly and says the allegations are completely out of character for the man she knows. Awful woman. pic.twitter.com/Vv1kbq1ssu
— cosmic jester (@cosmicjester) November 19, 2024
Credlin then kicked things up a notch by implying that there was a connection between the media and the police that had unfairly impacted Jones’ during his arrest.
“I note that he wasn’t given the option of presenting himself to the police station, and plainly, the media were briefed in advance of what was to happen — something that doesn’t sit well with any of us who expect justice to be blind,” the former Liberal staffer said.
And then, as some final partisan-icing on the egregiously-editorialised cake, Credlin wished Jones the best as he faces these charges.
“I wish my friend well for what will be a difficult few months ahead,” she said.
“I do not know what happened in the past, but I know tonight — for everyone involved — this is a traumatic day.”
Andrew Bolt as a voice of reason (???)
What was incredibly surprising about the Sky News reaction to Jones’ arrest was what host Andrew Bolt had to say.
In what was perhaps a surprising twist, Bolt didn’t jump to defend Jones. Instead, he questioned why the alleged victims felt so afraid to speak up about a man with Jones’ level of power and influence.
“This could be one of greatest falls from grace we have seen in this country,” said Bolt.
“If so, we are going to be asking ourselves how people bend to power. And ask who else knew of what Jones allegedly did?
“Are our free speech laws so ridiculous now that it’s now too dangerous to raise such allegations against the powerful?
“Certainly alleged victims have said they didn’t dare speak against a man with so much influence.”
You won’t catch me saying this much, but if only more people on Sky News were like Andrew Bolt. In this exact instance, and only this instance.
Actually, better than that, they should be like 2GB host Ray Hadley — what am I even saying anymore? — who told other commentators to stop messing with the justice process by speaking publicly.
“I want to ensure that justice is served here and that commentators such as myself do not interfere with the process,” Hadley said.
There you have it, broken clocks are right twice a day.
Lead Image: Nine/Sky News/Facebook
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