Sydney Morning Herald columnist Peter FitzSimons provided evidence on Thursday in the Downing Centre local court as part of the trial of broadcaster Alan Jones, recounting a 2019 phone conversation with an alleged victim referred to as complainant C. FitzSimons described the man as tearful and emotionally distressed while detailing accusations of indecent conduct against Jones, who faces multiple charges.

The complainant, who was anonymous to FitzSimons, alleged that approximately a decade earlier Jones had pushed him against an elevator wall and kissed him in a manner the man described as "romantic" at Jones’s apartment in Circular Quay. FitzSimons also relayed the complainant’s account of a Christmas lunch during which Jones allegedly touched and gripped his penis beneath the table.

During the conversation, the man told FitzSimons that Jones, a prominent figure at Sydney radio station 2GB, had touched his leg and genitals on multiple occasions while the complainant was driving for him. FitzSimons quoted the man as saying that although he did not explicitly say no, he continually tried to push Jones’s advances away. The witness characterized the complainant as “revolted” by the experience but upset with himself for not resisting more forcefully.

Jones has denied all charges, which include 20 counts of indecent assault and two charges of sexual touching involving six men. Eight of the charges are connected to complainant C.

FitzSimons testified that he was introduced to complainant C through 2GB broadcaster Ray Hadley, who earlier told the court that FitzSimons’s conversation with the man lasted between 30 and 40 minutes. FitzSimons took notes during the call and later shared them with investigative journalist Kate McClymont for reporting purposes.

According to FitzSimons, complainant C described himself as a young man in his early 20s when he began working at 2GB, initially feeling honoured to be noticed by Jones — referred to as “the sun king” — and eventually hired as Jones’s driver. However, the man said the compliments were interspersed with moments of harsh criticism or “blasts.” Over time, Jones allegedly began touching him inappropriately, including during the Christmas lunch where the incident under the table took place as two other men reportedly laughed at the man’s discomfort.

The trial continues as the court examines the full extent of the allegations and hears further testimony from witnesses and complainants.