Alan Jones explodes at Opera House boss over racing refusal

Staff Writer

2GB jock Alan Jones has taken on chief executive of the Sydney Opera House, Louise Herron, over the resistance to plaster the building’s iconic sails with branding for the upcoming Everest horse race.

Chatting on his Breakfast show, Jones lept at Herron straight out of the gates, yelling that “we” own the Opera House and repeatedly interrupting Herron.

Herron has agreed to light up the house in the colours of jockey’s jerseys but rejected the proposal to also project words or Everest branding.

“We have a policy that protects our world heritage status,” Herron said.

“We have said yes to [Racing NSW chief executive] Peter V’landys request to put the jockeys’ colours on the sails. We have no problem with that.

“What we won’t do is put text or videos of horse running or horses’ numbers or names or the Everest logo on the Opera House. It’s not a billboard.”

Jones then went on to repeatedly call for Herron’s sacking commenting, “I’m telling you that I will be speaking to [NSW Premier] Gladys Berejiklian in about five, three minutes and if you can’t come to the party, Louise, you should lose your job.”

Listen to the full interview, including when Jones brought V’landys aboard, below.


The Everest will take place at Royal Randwick race course on Saturday, October 13.

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Disgusted
5 Oct 2018 - 3:15 pm

I couldn’t even listen to this whole bullying clip to be honest. Who the hell does Alan Jones think he is? And who in their right mind wants to see the OPERA HOUSE of all things turned into an advertising billboard?! It’s ridiculous and if anyone should be sacked it’s JONES for the awful bullying way in which he speaks to women (even though just about the entire staff of 2GB is guilty of this – don’t get me started about Ray). And let’s not forget how he ignorantly dropped the N word recently too.

Ken Watson
5 Oct 2018 - 4:50 pm

Whenever I hear ‘the parrot’s’ voice I’m reminded of the Kerrie Anne midday host incident.

hughen Mcdougall
5 Oct 2018 - 8:06 pm

I have to agree that alan jones has lost the plot on this topic .
How does a person like that get so irate and heated up over such
a trivial subject.
I applaud the director of the opera house, for standing strong .
Good on you and the management.

Anon
5 Oct 2018 - 9:39 pm

Alan Jones pushing an agenda. How shocking.

It’s sad that his numbers are so high. How could anyone let this guy dictate what they should think

Rickard K.
6 Oct 2018 - 10:26 am

Sounds like someone has a gambling problem.

Sharon
6 Oct 2018 - 1:46 pm

What a rude & arrogant man!

Alan you are entitled to your opinion (as am I) and you may fight for some good causes on occasion, but your opinion IS NOT that of all Australians and to belittle Louise like you did has only made you look the fool. Well done Louise!!

Really ? promoting gambling on OUR Opera House, unbelievable!

Alan you do not speak for all Australians!!!!!!!

Why I can see that this advertising might bring some $ in and advertise Australia I do not think advertising gambling is the way to do it !! A horse race is not what you should use a heritage building as a billboard for, get real.

If the race is so great it should stand up on its own merits and not need our beautiful Opera House violated in the process. Next you will have the Marlboro man riding across the sails, (oh that’s right we don’t advertise Tobacco anymore)

Sue
7 Oct 2018 - 9:32 am

Appalled

I am appalled at this thug, bullying behaviour by Allan Jones. This is not about tourism this is about personal greed. Why dont we discuss the real issue of gambling problem in Australia with thousands of families affected financially, personally and emotionally and leave the opera house alone. If it is ‘ours’ then it belongs to all of us and one small group should not be allowed to bully their way into getting what they want. Let the Australian people decide as a whole. I don’t see the Vatican or St Peters or the eifel tower being used as a gambling billboard

Fred DW
7 Oct 2018 - 1:12 pm

We talk about bullying by politicians but Alan Jones was bullying Louise.
What is Jones’ agenda? His focus on ratings and promoting division.
So much for respect and civil discussion.
Unfortunately too many politicians cow cow to Alan Jones.

Sharon
7 Oct 2018 - 2:03 pm

No she doesn’t own the opera house but neither does Alan Jones or his buddies. She does however have a job to do and that is to run the opera house and to look after it’s best interest. The opera house is not a bill board to advertise on, its ok to put colours on in support of Australian events but not to turn it into another joke of the world. Let’s keep some self respect and class, something Alan Jones has never really had and will never understand. Alan Jones proved this by shouting her down, not letting her answer, berating her and then telling her she was going to be sacked and when that didn’t intimidate her he started calling for her resignation. Alan Jones having a tantrum. Alan Jones you are wrong.

Ian Joyner
7 Oct 2018 - 2:34 pm

Jones is right – we own the Opera House…. not Alan Jones or the racing industry.

Again Alan Jones twists a fact in a completely disingenuous way.

Alan Jones thinks he is running NSW and Australia. Let’s tell Alan Jones he is not, nor the multimillion dollar racing and gambling industry. Jones should lose his job.

The Opera House is not a cheap commercial billboard. This is desecration of a national icon and not treating it with respect. But that is what Jones is about – not treating things or people with respect.

What a disgusting grub Jones is. This is one of the most disgusting interviews ever.

Meanwhile over on the ABC, interviewees were allowed to put their position. Most vox-populi callers voiced their opposition. But Luke Foley (Labor leader NSW) and Anthony Albanese both supported the projection, which I think is in support of big business against the people – a position they share with Alan Jones.

https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=sack%20alan%20jones

Nagging
7 Oct 2018 - 3:28 pm

Even as a Racing aficionado,this in my opinion is grubby.
The corruption involved here really is blatant.
“Our” Opera House is not a billboard.

Deana Byrne
7 Oct 2018 - 4:55 pm

I have just listened to the interchange between Alan Jones and Louise Herron. In my opinion it was appalling the way Ms Herron was spoken to by Alan Jones.
To treat someone with such disrespect is unacceptable. Ms Herron demonstrated her integrity during the ordeal where she was obviously setup by Alan and Peter U’Landys. Disgraceful!

In defense of our National Icon
7 Oct 2018 - 7:03 pm

Jones is a horrible nasty bully boy and always has been. This poor lady, Louise Herron deserves respect. It is a complete mystery why politicians are so frightened and intimidated by this nasty man. If Jones says “jump” they all jump!! The Opera House is not a billboard!!!!

Peter P
7 Oct 2018 - 8:10 pm

What a bully that radio announcer is. It sounds like he thinks he “runs the State of NSW”. I glad I don’t listen to that bullying every day. It is disgusting that a radio station owner would pay someone and allow them to act in that way.
Bullying is a crime in Victoria (Crimes Act).

Jean Michel Marey
7 Oct 2018 - 9:37 pm

Allan Jones acted as a bully ( not the first time ). The Opera house has been used to project sports but I think Everest represent gambling and I don’t think we should promote it.

Disgusting
8 Oct 2018 - 7:09 am

What kind of ‘educated’ person speaks like this? Absolutely disgusting. Who employs you Alan Jones? I’m giving them a call.

Joan
8 Oct 2018 - 1:24 pm

Alan Jones has once again shown us his true colours.
He is a bully of the highest order and if you don’t agree with his opinion you are in the wrong.

I have heard that when he says all his listeners agree with him it can sometimes be as few as 5.

He should treat people the way he would like to be treated and I am sure he would not tolerate been spoken to like that. He of course can hide behind his microphone. I have heard him hang up on people who manage to get onto his talk back but don’t share his opinion. He is a my way or the highway guy.

The Opera House is an Australian icon and should not be used as money making tool.

It is high time Alan retired he is way past his use by date.

Jesse H
8 Oct 2018 - 8:47 pm

What an excruciating and despicable phone call. Hard to listen through indeed. Where is the integrity or perspective of these people? And why are they in positions of power?

Jess
9 Oct 2018 - 12:31 am

Alan Jones should hand in his resignation for this disguising behaviour. I don’t want that representing Australia. Louise could barely get a word in. I hope she’s ok cause this treatment is some of the worst bullying I’ve seen.

Pedro
9 Oct 2018 - 1:32 pm

How about providing a copy of the audio of the interview ( I realise 2GB have taken it down – but you surely have a copy)

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