Kate McClymont questioned over ‘nail in the coffin’ and poo emoji texts at Alan Jones trial

Sydney Morning Herald journalist Kate McClymont has been called to give evidence in the criminal trial of broadcaster Alan Jones. Jones is accused of 21 counts of indecent assault and sexual touching against five men. McClymont's reporting on the alleged incidents led to a police investigation. The journalist published a series of stories in late 2023 detailing accounts from men who alleged Jones had assaulted them. Some of her interviewees are not complainants in this trial.

McClymont claims she sought further comment from Jones and his legal team before publishing the stories, but did not send draft copies of the articles to Jones prior to publication. She recalled an instance where she received a direct response from Jones via text message. McClymont provided all correspondence with Jones and his legal team to the police during a statement she made on August 30, 2024.

The journalist testified about her article from December 2023, which outlined allegations of abuse against Jones. She stated she sought comment from Jones by text and email two days before the story was published in the Sydney Morning Herald. However, she did not receive a response from Jones, but thought she had received one from his lawyers.

McClymont entered the courtroom to a large media presence and expressed her feeling of being "fine" about giving evidence. The courtroom has once again attracted members of the public and a larger contingent of media. She will face questions from the Crown regarding her involvement in reporting on Jones' alleged conduct. She will then be cross-examined by Jones' defense team, who have accused her of being part of a media conspiracy to bring down their client.

The case is being heard in a local court with a judge-only trial.