Celebrity Agent Ralph Carr Identified After Rape Conviction

Celebrity agent Ralph Carr can be named as the Melbourne businessman who was found guilty of rape last month.

Carr, a well-known figure in Melbourne entertainment circles, has represented artists and athletes for decades, including former AFL star Dustin Martin and singer Kate Ceberano.

On Monday, a longstanding suppression order over the 66-year-old's name was lifted by the County Court.

Carr's barrister Dermot Dann KC said his client would abandon a legal bid to extend the gag order, which was first put in place in 2023.

Mr Dann said his client would be appealing the verdicts of a jury, after the panel last week found him guilty of the rape and sexual assault of a woman at his home.

Mr Dann called the outcome a miscarriage of justice, but did not provide further details.

"Our client maintains his innocence," Mr Dann said.

"No jury acting reasonably or rationally could have arrived at the guilty verdicts."

Carr is yet to be sentenced.

Prosecutors alleged Carr committed the attack against a woman at his West Melbourne home in March 2023, after a night when the pair had been drinking and taking drugs.

He pleaded not guilty at the trial, with his legal team telling the jury that the woman's allegations were false.

However, prosecutor Matthew Fisher told the jury she was a credible witness who had not changed her story throughout the legal process.

Carr was visibly distraught when the verdict was handed down and he was taken into custody.

On Monday, he appeared in the court dock without the dark black wig he wore during his trial.

Lawyers argued Carr was was risk of self-harm

Carr had been able to stop the broader public from knowing about his connection to the case because of a suppression order applied for by his lawyers.

Until today, media outlets were not able to identify Carr or even run a pixelated photo of him when reporting on his legal matter.

The suppression order was granted under Section 18(1)(c) of Victoria's Open Courts Act, after Carr's lawyers argued his personal safety would be placed at risk if he was named in the media.

Carr's lawyers had argued that he was at risk of self-harm if the wider public knew he was charged with rape.

"His mental picture is dire," Mr Dann said today.

Lawyers for media outlets, including the ABC, and prosecutors were set to fight the extension to the suppression order before Carr's legal team withdrew its application.

Media lawyers argued the gag order needed to be lifted because it was a case of public interest, and because Carr could receive appropriate care and supervision while in jail.

Carr managed singer Tina Arena in the 1990s and they were married for four years, divorcing in 1999.

He has also represented Vanessa Amorosi, Richard Wilkins, Pseudo Echo and Deborah Conway.

He branched out to sports management in more recent years.

Dustin Martin released a statement on Monday declaring he had ended his professional relationship with Carr, effective immediately.

"I was shocked to learn of the outcome of the court proceedings," he said.

"I had no knowledge whatsoever of the conduct that led to these convictions.

"My thoughts are with those affected."

Television and radio personality Richard Wilkins said he was appalled by his ex-manager's actions.

He said his thoughts were with Carr's victim and everyone affected.

Mr Wilkins said he had not been represented by Carr for "many years".

Several of Carr's most notable former acts remained tight-lipped about the developments, including singer Kate Ceberano and former INXS frontman Jon Stevens.

Through her management, Tina Arena declined to comment.

Carr's personal Instagram and X accounts have since been wiped.

Ralph Carr Management representatives were also contacted for comment about what Carr's conviction could mean for the future of the company.