Politics

‘Used words I now regret’: Alan Jones apologises for ‘bully boy tactics’

Oct 09, 2018

Jones apologised for some of the words he used in relation to the Opera House and CEO Louise Herron. Source: Getty.

Shock jock Alan Jones came out swinging on Monday after he was blasted for his “bully boy tactics” during a heated interview with Opera House CEO Louise Herron about the proposed adverts for The Everest horse race, insisting he was just as tough on his female guest as he would have been with any man.

However he changed his tune just 24 hours later as he dished out an apology live on air during his Tuesday morning breakfast show, claiming he “most regretted” some of the language he used during his chat with Herron.

“I used some words in these programs about the Everest, and the Opera House, and Louise, which in hindsight I now most regret hearing, having heard the impact they’ve clearly had on some people,” he said.

“In relation to Louise, I was tough regarding an issue I and others felt is very important.”

People were quick to slam Jones for his treatment of the female chief executive after he called for her to be sacked during the brutal interview on Friday, labelling the veteran broadcaster as “unacceptable”, “disgusting” and “sexist”.

The radio host welcomed Herron onto his show on Friday morning to discuss the proposed adverts for The Everest horse race, as she attempted to explain how the proposal to conduct the barrier draw, with the horses names, numbers, and The Everest logo being projected onto the Opera House’s iconic sails, would breach the landmark’s world heritage status policy.

However a fired up Jones cut her ;off mid-sentence, saying: “We own the Opera House, do you get that message? You don’t, you manage it. And if you can’t give the go ahead for this to happen to an event that’s providing $100 million to the economy, delivering a tourism boom to Sydney to send Sydney around the world. If I were Gladys Berejiklian I’d pick up the phone and sack you today.

Following the interview, Herron’s predecessor Michael Lynch spoke to RN radio and said he was “offended on behalf of Louise Herron” over Jones’ “appalling treatment” and use of “bully boy tactics”, claiming he would not have spoken to him in that manner.

While people also took to Twitter to slam Jones for his behaviour, with one writing: “Sorry isn’t good enough Alan Jones! You just don’t stop say things, on that disgusting radio station, which are unacceptable. The example you set to young Australians is pathetic.”

Another said: “Alan Jones is simply a disgusting bully. And 2GB is culpable while they support the behaviour.”

Jones had initially defended his behaviour during the interview, insisting that he is tough on all of his guests regardless of their gender.

“I have been tough on plenty of people on this program in the past, Paul Keating, John Howard, the list is endless,” he said on Monday morning.

“If the interview had of been with Bob the Builder, no one would have bothered. But presumably, Louise Herron must get different treatment because she’s a woman.”