Friends of TV personality Jo Silvagni have revealed she is in sheer panic, convinced her son Tom Silvagni — the former “golden boy” of the AFL dynasty with no street instincts — has become a walking target behind bars. The 55-year-old former model and Chemist Warehouse ambassador is reportedly terrified that Tom, 25, lacks the toughness or connections to survive Melbourne Assessment Prison, where he began serving a six-year sentence for two counts of rape on December 18, 2025. In desperation, she is said to have turned away from lawyers and quietly reached into Melbourne’s underworld, allegedly paying a “protection fee” to keep him alive. What’s truly chilling is how the money was delivered in the dead of night.
According to multiple sources speaking to The Herald Sun on December 24, 2025, Jo — supported by husband Stephen Silvagni — feared Tom would be “easy prey” due to his privileged background and high-profile status. “He’s never been in a fight, never had to watch his back,” one friend said. “Jo believes inmates see him as soft, rich, and vulnerable — a target for extortion or violence.” The family’s public vow to “stand by Tom” after sentencing has reportedly intensified threats, with anonymous messages warning “he won’t last long in here.”
The alleged “protection fee” — a sum reportedly in the tens of thousands — was arranged through intermediaries in Melbourne’s criminal underworld. Sources claim the cash was delivered in a plain envelope during a late-night drop-off at a predetermined location in the city’s western suburbs. “No names, no faces — just the money handed over in the dark,” a person familiar with the arrangement said. The payment is said to have secured “protection” from influential prisoners with gang ties, ensuring Tom’s safety in general population.
The claim has sparked nationwide outrage and disbelief. Critics accuse the Silvagnis of using wealth to buy privilege even behind bars, while supporters argue Jo is simply a terrified mother doing whatever it takes. “She’s not thinking about optics — she’s thinking about her son surviving,” a family friend insisted. The victim’s advocates, however, have condemned the move: “Paying criminals to protect a rapist? That’s beyond disgraceful.”
Jo has not commented publicly on the allegations, but her recent appearances show visible strain — pale, anxious, and avoiding media. Chemist Warehouse, her longtime sponsor, continues its “review” of her contract, with insiders saying the underworld payment story has accelerated discussions.
The Silvagni family’s crisis has escalated from courtroom tragedy to prison underworld intrigue. As Tom appeals his conviction, the “protection fee” allegation — if proven — could trigger a separate police investigation into corruption or conspiracy. For now, Jo’s panic reveals a mother’s desperation in the face of a nightmare she never imagined.
Australia watches in disbelief as one of its most famous families navigates a dark new reality.