Prominent Industry Figure Ralph Carr Found Guilty Of Rape

Tina Arena

This article mentions sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. If you or someone you know is affected by these experiences and needs to contact someone, please contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.

Entertainment stalwart Ralph Carr has been named as the mystery Melbourne businessman found guilty of rape, following the lifting of a suppression order on Monday, August 3rd.

66-year-old Carr, who is also known by the name Ralph Carnovale-Carr, was found guilty on two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to an incident which occurred in March of 2023.

The unidentified victim – a former employee of Carr’s who had reportedly reconnected with the intent of discussing potential future work opportunities – claimed she had previously turned down sexual advances from him in the months leading up to the incident at his home, where the pair consumed alcohol and drugs before the assault took place.

Carr denied the charges against him, with The Australian reporting he claimed the sequence of events he was accused of “never happened”.

Carr was initially charged in August 2023, however due to claims his mental health and safety could be at risk due to the allegations, his identity was kept under wraps by a suppression order until it was lifted on Monday.

The Guardian reports that Carr was found guilty last week following a three week trial, with his bail revoked on Monday, and taken into custody ahead of sentencing at a later date.

Carr’s defence barrister, Dermot Dann KC, has said the conviction will be appealed, citing the occurrence of “a substantial miscarriage of justice”.

Carr is a well-known figure within the world of entertainment and sports, having served as the Managing Director of his own Ralph Carr Management where he represented the likes of Vanessa Amorosi, Kate Ceberano, and Tina Arena, the latter of whom he was married to from 1995 until 1999.

Additionally, Carr previously served on the Carlton Football Club’s board of directors, and represented figures such as television presenter and entertainment personality Richard Wilkins, and AFL players such as Brownlow medal-winner Dustin Martin.

In the wake of Carr’s identity being revealed, Martin issued a statement noting he was “shocked to learn of the outcome of the court proceedings”.

“I had no knowledge whatsoever of the conduct that led to these convictions,” Martin continued. My thoughts are with those affected.

“Effective immediately, I have ended my professional relationship with my former manager.”

In June of 2018, the Federal Court of Australia ordered that Carr's touring arm, RCM Touring be "wound up in insolvency" following claims it owed Big Deal Touring over $120,000 in relation to tours including an Elvis Presley orchestra tribute run and a Priscilla Presley speaking tour.