High-Profile Artist Manager Charged With Rape Is Still Out on Bail

Content Warning: This article covers sexual harassment incidents. If you or someone you know are affected by the following story, you are not alone. To speak to someone, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

The high-profile artist manager accused of raping and sexually assaulting a singer in regional Queensland is still awaiting his indictment.

David Champion, who, in the past, managed the careers of Jessica Mauboy, Dami Im, Guy Sebastian and other pop stars, is accused of attacking the unnamed artist in a hotel room in rural Queensland back in April 2013.

According to charges laid in March 2022, Champion faces two counts of sexual assault and one count of rape of a man.

According to a report by Courier Mail, as part of his bail conditions set in November 2023, Champion was allowed to live in Sydney but banned from having contact with his alleged victim.

Champion appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court for his committal hearing on January 25 this year, and now, according to details shared with TMN, Champion has been committed to the District Court Mount Isa for trial.

TMN understands no date for a trial has been set as no indictment (the formal charge that initiates a criminal case) has been presented as yet.

TMN can confirm Champion is currently still out on bail.

A music industry veteran with record label experience dating back to the 1980s, Champion worked closely with Sony Music’s talent show alumni through the now-defunct Parade Management company, the booking agency and artist management firm which he co-founded in 2007.

Champion is one of eight alleged abusers covered in a report by this journalist titled ‘ANZ’s #MeToo Moment: Three Years On’.

The piece revisits the #MeToo movement in Australia and Aotearoa three years on from the height on music’s local #MeToo moment and assesses the current landscape.