In a tense and emotional confrontation captured on camera, Jo Silvagni (née Jo Bailey), the former TV personality and longtime face of Chemist Warehouse, erupted at a Sky News Australia reporter outside Melbourne’s County Court just moments after her 23-year-old son Tom Silvagni was sentenced to six years and two months in prison (with a non-parole period of three years and three months) for two counts of rape.

The incident unfolded on December 17, 2025, as Jo and her husband, AFL legend Stephen Silvagni, hurriedly left the courtroom following the sentencing by Judge Gregory Lyon. As media swarmed, Sky News reporter Georgie Dickerson approached to ask for their reaction to the sentence and whether they planned to appeal. Jo, dressed entirely in black and holding tightly to her husband’s arm, physically brushed the reporter aside, shouting words to the effect of “We will sue and won’t let anyone get away with defaming and smearing my son and my family!” while telling her to “do your job!” and “go away.”

The outburst came amid intense public scrutiny and backlash following Tom’s conviction for digitally raping a young woman twice at the family’s Balwyn North home in January 2024. He had pretended to be her boyfriend (his friend Anthony LoGiudice) after the friend left in an Uber, then attempted to cover it up by forging an altered Uber receipt. The jury rejected his defense, finding him guilty on December 5, 2025, after a trial shrouded in a lengthy suppression order that had kept his identity secret for over a year.

Here are striking images from the dramatic moment outside court, showing Jo Silvagni’s confrontation with the reporter and the family’s hurried exit:

These photos capture the raw emotion as Jo pushed past media, visibly upset, while Stephen supported her amid the chaos.

More powerful captures of Jo and Stephen leaving the County Court after the sentencing, highlighting the family’s distress and the media frenzy:

The family’s reaction has divided public opinion. While the Silvagnis have consistently maintained Tom’s innocence and flagged an appeal—Stephen tearfully stating outside court after the verdict that “our son continues to maintain his innocence, and we stand firmly behind him”—the victim’s powerful impact statement described the lasting trauma and branded the crimes “evil.” Judge Lyon noted the offending was “egregious and callous,” marked by “planning, cunning, and strategy,” with no demonstrated remorse from Tom.

The confrontation has amplified debates about privilege, media scrutiny, and family support in high-profile cases, with some criticizing Jo’s actions as dismissive, while others express sympathy for a mother in unimaginable pain.

Additional scenes from the courtroom aftermath and the Silvagni family’s public moments during the trial process:

Jo’s TV career now hangs in the balance, with Chemist Warehouse quietly removing some promotional material featuring her in the wake of the conviction. This explosive first public appearance since the sentencing has left Australia stunned, turning a tragic family saga into one of the most talked-about stories of the holiday season.

A deeply emotional and controversial moment that underscores the human cost on all sides of this heartbreaking case. 💔