Tina ArenaThis 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.
Former entertainment and artist manager Ralph Carr has been sentenced to six years in prison, weeks after being found guilty on two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to an incident which occurred in March of 2023.
As the ABC reports, the 66-year-old wept as he appeared before the Victorian County Court via video link, where he was told he would serve at least four years of his sentence before being eligible for parole.
Carr was found guilty of the charges earlier this month. 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.
News of his convictions also saw Carr’s name released publicly for the first time, with a suppression order previously hiding his identity since his being charged in August 2023, claiming his mental health and safety could be at risk due to the allegations.
Per the ABC, Judge Frank Gucciardo described Carr’s conduct as “appalling” during the sentencing process. “Rape is a crime of violence,” Judge Gucciardo said. “This was committed by you in an egregious breach of trust
“You maintain your innocence of these offences and consequently there is no evidence of your remorse or contrition," he added.
Carr had previously applied for a stay of sentencing, with Judge Gucciardo denying the application. Carr’s legal team have indicated that the sentence will be appealed in the future.
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.
Arena addressed Carr’s conviction at a Q&A session at Melbourne’s Astor Theatre earlier this month, where her new documentary Tina Arena: Unravel Me premiered as part of the Melbourne International Film Festival.
Asked about her former husband, Arena responded by asserting he was not the subject of the evening. “This is about me,” she said. “I don’t care about him. Couldn’t give a shit.”
“Divine intervention happens, I believe in divine intervention I really do,” Arena said to those in attendance. “I also believe in karma. I believe in what you put out you get back.
“You reap what you sow, so now he’s reaping what he sowed,” she continued. “I believe that justice has been done, and the right thing has happened.”
Arena also praised the victim’s strength in coming forward. “I don’t know her name, I have never met her,” she added. “My heart goes out to her, to her mum, her family, for having the unbelievable courage to come forward in unbelievably complicated circumstances.
“Whoever you are darling, wherever you are, a big thank you, not only from me but a big thank you from a lot of people.”
