Alan Jones has been hit with fresh criminal charges as high-profile Australians responded to indecent assault allegations against the once-powerful broadcaster.
The 83-year-old is preparing to fight a slew of charges relating to nine alleged victims.
Two extra allegations were added on Tuesday, bringing the total number of charges to 26, including 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault.
The youngest alleged victim was 17 years old.
Jones was not seen in public on Tuesday.
A day earlier, he returned to his luxury apartment in Sydney's Circular Quay following a dramatic arrest and transfer to a nearby police station.
Australian Rugby League Commission and Racing NSW boss Peter V'landys was surprised by the arrest.
"The dealings I've had with Alan Jones, I've never seen ... that side," he told reporters.
"Mind you, my dealings have always been in a business approach, it's never been in any other way."
In a statement to the Australian Financial Review, billionaire James Packer described Jones as a friend.
"He is entitled to the presumption of innocence," Mr Packer said.
Peta Credlin, who served as chief of staff to former prime minister Tony Abbott, co-hosted a Sky News program with Jones.
"The behaviour alleged is entirely out of character with the man I've known," she said.
"I wish my friend well."
The reaction from other prominent figures has been mixed.
Jones' former 2GB radio stablemate Ray Hadley said he had not spoken to him for five years "for well-documented reasons".
He urged against any speculation on the identities of alleged victims.
"I'll be playing no public role in this matter," Hadley said, noting he was due to retire from the airwaves before Jones faced court.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said he did not regret appearing on Jones' 2GB morning program in 2022.
He resisted further commentary, with the case approaching court on December 18.
When Anthony Albanese was asked about Jones at a news conference at the G20 meeting in Brazil, he said it was a legal matter.
"I don't think it would assist for the prime minister of Australia to make a comment on it," he said.
Jones was arrested at his Sydney Harbour Bridge-view apartment and later left police custody in silence flanked by his lawyers.
He was granted conditional bail to appear in Downing Centre Local Court.
The high-profile broadcaster, who wielded political and public influence on the airwaves for decades, faces allegations including aggravated indecent assault where the alleged victim was under his authority.
The charge carries a maximum seven-year jail term.
His lawyer Chris Murphy said his client would defend the charges.
"He's presumed innocent," Mr Murphy told reporters as Jones sat behind the tinted windows of a Lexus.
Jones began his hugely successful broadcasting work in 1985 after a failed political career and became a feared interviewer who excelled at grilling leaders while dominating the airwaves with his outspoken, conservative views.
He worked with Sydney radio station 2UE before joining rival 2GB, where he was a longtime ratings juggernaut.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
