John Jarratt set to break his silence on rape trial

Australian actor John Jarratt is set to break his silence on the rape trial that has plagued his personal life and damaged his career for almost two years.

In an exclusive interview with 60 Minutes reporter Tara Brown set to air this Sunday, the Wolf Creek star says he feels “cheated” by the allegations and that the lead up to the trial almost “killed him.”

Only 60 Minutes has been granted unprecedented access inside Jarratt’s case, following the famous Australian actor, his family, and his legal team for many months.

In 2017, John Jarratt was accused of rape by his former flat mate who shared a house with Jarratt and his wife in Sydney’s east more than 40 years ago.

Jarratt’s accuser – who by law cannot be identified - says she was violently raped by Jarratt in the share house in September 1976.

Jarratt has vehemently denied the accusation since it came to light – telling 60 Minutes reporter Tara Brown the only thing he is shameful of is that he and the woman engaged in consensual sex – cheating on his wife, Rosa Miano.

“Consensual sex, that’s not a crime,”

“She was sort of seductive… I felt guilt and remorse and I'd just made a huge mistake cheating on my wife.”

Following a twenty month legal battle, Jarratt was last week found not guilty of rape.

The trial in the New South Wales District Court lasted a week in which both the alleged victim and Jarratt’s version of events were called into question. It took the jury just fifteen minutes to reach their verdict of not guilty.

“When you hear the rest of the story, it’s just a travesty,” Jarratt tells Brown.

Jarratt’s wife Rosa has stood by him through the ordeal, and joins her husband in the 60 Minutes exclusive interview.

The pair reveal to Brown the incredible emotional anguish the legal saga has caused for their extended family, in addition to ruining Jarratt’s reputation and putting the brakes on his successful acting career.

“My career has come to a halt,” he says.

“I’ve been called a filthy pig in a Coles supermarket. I've been hung for something I absolutely didn't do.”

60 Minutes airs this Sunday on Channel 9 after Australian Ninja Warrior. For more information on 60 Minutes, visit the official website.