Sir Tom Jones once revealed how he faced sexual harassment at the beginning of his career in the music industry, an experience that made him feel terrible.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleTom Jones is one of the most respected names in the music industry. He is well known for appearing on The Voice UK’s judges' panel since the show’s inception in 2012. However, rumors began to emerge in early September 2026 that Tom had been removed from the show.
The It's Not Unusual singer confirmed that the news is true and stated that he has been fired from The Voice UK even though he “did not want to leave.” Amid Tom’s revelation, his claims about facing sexual harassment at one point in his career have resurfaced.
During an interview with reporter Colin Paterson on BBC 5 Live’s Afternoon, Tom Jones mentioned an incident from the early days of his career that made him feel terrible. The conversation arose when Colin asked Tom whether he thought sexual harassment allegations like those faced by Harvey Weinstein could ever surface in the music industry. To this, Tom replied that things like that have always happened in the music industry too. He said:
“Things have always happened in the music industry as well. There’s been people complaining about publicists and different things that they’ve been expected to do to get a record contract, just like they’d do to get a film contract.”
When asked if Tom himself had faced such a type of harassment, that he definitely has, although those were in the early days. He further stated that it was no different from the things women face. Tom said, “At the beginning, yes, there were a few things like that. What’s tried on women is tried on men as well.”
Colin Paterson then went on to ask the singer if he was ever able to confide in anyone about being sexually harassed. While Tom said yes, he clarified that things with him were not that bad. Tom explained that most people think those with power abuse it; however, that isn't always the case. He stated:
“Yeah, but it wasn’t bad. Somebody tried to pull. It was a question, and I said no thank you. There’s always been that element there that people with power sometimes abuse it, but they don’t all abuse it – there are good people.”
A while ago, Tom Jones confirmed that he will no longer be seen on the reality singing show, The Voice UK, as one of the judges. He revealed that he has been fired from his role due to “financial difficulty with insurance.” He also claimed that he “did not want to leave.”
But while Tom Jones loved the show as well as its audience, ITV had already made the decision some time back. Tom said that he had recently been informed of their decision. The singer then went on to dismiss ITV’s claims that they intended to give The Voice UK a fresh start. In his words:
"They now say in the press they wanted to 'refresh' the show, and with a new coaching line-up there wouldn't be a chair for me. They are offering a much-reduced role where I would make an appearance but without being actually involved from the start, and I'm not thrilled about that. So the only thing I know right now is that there's never a good time to fire an 86-year-old who's still pretty good at his job."
As one might expect, fans are not happy with ITV’s decision to fire Tom Jones. Taking to the comments section of his Instagram post, one user wrote, “So upset. You were the reason I watched it.” Another wrote, “Terrible decision. I saw you perform at Car Fest, and you remain simply incredible and a legend. You are The Voice.”
What are your thoughts on Tom Jones opening up about his sexual harassment experience?
Also Read: Tom Jones Fired From 'The Voice U.K.', He Once Revealed Show Kept Him Alive After Wife Linda's Death