Ralph Carr Convincted of Rape in Melbourne Court

Prominent entertainment executive Ralph Carr has been identified as the Melbourne businessman convicted of raping a former employee.

A court order had initially prevented Carr — also known as Ralph Carnovale-Carr — from being publicly identified. Carr faced two counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, pleading not guilty in the county court of Victoria.

A three-week trial ended with the jury finding him guilty of all charges last week. Now in custody with his bail revoked, Carr will be sentenced at a later date.

The assault occurred in March of 2023, during an evening the woman said she spent drinking and taking cocaine with Carr, while watching football at his friend’s home.

The prosecution and defence both argued that the most important witness was the alleged victim. While the woman gave evidence, the man didn’t.

The order suppressing Carr’s identity, which was initially approved within days of him being charged because multiple courts found he was at risk of harming himself, was finally lifted on Monday.

As per The Guardian, police are also investigating Carr over another allegation, after a second woman came forward in Melbourne claiming she was sexually assaulted in 2005.

According to a police spokesperson, Carr was arrested last year in relation to the report, but he was released pending further enquiries.

Carr has looked after some of the biggest names in Australian music for over three decades, representing Kate Ceberano, Vanessa Amorosi, and Tina Arena, the latter of whom married him while she was signed to him. They later divorced in 1999.

The businessman’s company, Ralph Carr Management, operated as a record label, publishing company, and a promotions/touring agency at its peak. Its extensive client list included Richard Wilkins and more.

While he lost many high-profile clients in recent years, following a court ordering RCM Touring to be wound up due to insolvency in 2018, Carr managed to retain management of some AFL players.

One player, Dustin Martin, co-owns a portfolio of real estate with Carr. In a statement regarding the allegations against his business partner, Martin said, “I was shocked to learn of the outcome of the court proceedings.”

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

“Effective immediately, I have ended my professional relationship with my former manager. As this is a legal matter, I will not be making any further comment.”

At the time of writing, Carr’s trial will head back to court later this month.