“Completely harmless”: Alan Jones pictured in blackface
An historical photo of Alan Jones has caused a stir online, with the snap depicting him in blackface.
The photo was taken in 1986, with the moment taking place at the Wallabies team function in New Zealand, back when Jones was the coach for the Australian rugby team.
The radio shock jock decided to paint his face black as he was impersonating 1920s vaudeville singer Al Jolson.
Some of the biggest names in Australian rugby who witnessed Jones's recital have leapt to their old coach's defence, saying his performance was part of a night of harmless fun.
Bledisloe Cup-winning Wallabies captain Andrew Slack was quick to defend Jones, as he questioned why the photos, which were taken 37 years ago, would resurface now.
“If we turn this into something offensive the world has gone crazy,” Slack told Daily Mail Australia.
He went on to explain that his controversial costume was part of a night of harmless fun, as players and coaches took part in a talent show.
“We all had to do various things,” he said. “It was basically a fancy dress party to loosen up.”
“That would be a reasonably regular thing on a tour in those days, that you'd have some sort of internal party, no one else involved, just the boys.”
“Someone putting themselves out to sing when they can't sing or read a poem.”
“Alan did an Al Jolson number. He had the hat and the cane and whatever. It was fun.”
“That's what it was, completely harmless and good fun. If we turn this into something offensive the world has gone crazy but that's what it was.”
You can view the pictures of Alan Jones here.
Image credits: Getty Images