Why Were Rape Charges Against Geelong Midfielder Tanner Bruhn Dropped?

Tanner Bruhn, a midfielder for Geelong, has had sexual assault charges against him dropped after a key witness admitted to lying. The 23-year-old player, who missed the entire 2025 AFL season due to these allegations, is now free from the accusations that had profoundly impacted his life and career.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

On Tuesday, 24 October 2023, Bruhn appeared via video link at the Geelong Magistrates Court, where charges of rape and intentional sexual touching were formally withdrawn. This decision came after the complainant admitted to lying about the allegations that had been made against Bruhn and his co-accused, Patrick Sinnott. Both men had maintained their innocence throughout the legal proceedings, which had caused significant distress for Bruhn both personally and professionally.

Key takeaways

Tanner Bruhn's sexual assault charges are dropped after a witness admits to lying.
Bruhn missed the entire 2025 AFL season due to the allegations.
His barrister described the case as a "horrible stain on the criminal justice system."

Timeline: how we got here

Here is a brief timeline of the events leading to the dropping of the charges against Tanner Bruhn:

5 February 2023: Bruhn and Sinnott allegedly assaulted a woman after leaving a Geelong strip club.
24 October 2023: Charges against Bruhn are formally dropped after the complainant admits to lying.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The most significant development is the withdrawal of charges against Tanner Bruhn. The revelation that the complainant admitted to lying has resulted in a dramatic shift in the case, allowing Bruhn to reclaim his life and career.

What was already established

Prior to this week, the allegations against Bruhn were serious, leading to a lengthy court process which caused him to miss an entire season of professional football. Throughout the ordeal, both Bruhn and Sinnott maintained their innocence, and it was clear that the accusations had taken a heavy toll on Bruhn's personal and professional life.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the case is primarily of interest to Australian audiences, issues of sexual assault and false accusations have global implications. The handling of such cases in the UK and the lessons learned could impact public discourse around the rights of the accused and the importance of due process.

Businesses and jobs

For Bruhn, the impact on his career has been profound, resulting in a year away from the sport he loves. His case illustrates the potential fallout that accusations can have on professional athletes, raising questions about the support systems in place for individuals facing similar circumstances.

Policy and regulation

This case could prompt discussions around the legal protections for individuals who are falsely accused and the need for comprehensive investigations into allegations of this nature. In the UK, similar cases could lead to calls for reform in how such allegations are managed within the justice system.

Numbers that matter

1: The number of key witnesses who admitted to lying, leading to the case's dismissal.
365: Days that Bruhn spent under the shadow of these allegations, missing an entire AFL season.
100%: Bruhn's assertion of his innocence, now vindicated by the court's decision.

Definitions and jargon buster

Sexual assault: Any unwanted sexual act or behaviour that occurs without consent.
Due process: The legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person, ensuring fair treatment through the normal judicial system.
AFL: Australian Football League, the professional competition of Australian rules football.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Bruhn is expected to focus on his recovery from the ordeal and re-establish his career in the AFL. His immediate future will likely involve training and preparation for the upcoming season.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As Bruhn returns to professional football, he may also consider speaking publicly about his experience to raise awareness about the implications of false accusations and the importance of supporting both victims and the accused in such cases.

Signals to watch

Public statements from Bruhn regarding his future in football.
Any potential legal actions taken against individuals involved in making false allegations.
Changes in policies or support systems in the AFL regarding players facing similar situations.

Practical guidance

Do

Support individuals who are falsely accused by listening and respecting their privacy.
Encourage a fair and thorough investigation before jumping to conclusions in similar cases.

Don’t

Spread unverified information about allegations without understanding the full context.
Engage in online harassment of individuals involved in such cases.

Checklist

Understand the legal rights of both the accused and the accuser in sexual assault cases.
Stay informed about updates in high-profile cases to avoid misinformation.
Encourage discussions around the importance of due process in the justice system.
Support initiatives that promote awareness about the impact of false allegations.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The case highlights the complexities surrounding sexual assault allegations, particularly regarding false claims. While Bruhn has been vindicated, the implications of false allegations can have lasting effects on the accused's life and career. There remains a need for caution in handling such sensitive matters, ensuring that both victims and the accused receive fair treatment throughout the judicial process.

Bottom line

Tanner Bruhn has been cleared of all charges after a witness admitted to lying, allowing him to move forward from a year filled with adversity. This case underscores the importance of preserving the presumption of innocence and the need for thorough investigations in allegations of sexual assault. As Bruhn looks to return to his football career, it serves as a reminder of the potential personal and professional toll that such accusations can carry.

FAQs

What charges were dropped against Tanner Bruhn?

The charges of rape and intentional sexual touching against Tanner Bruhn were dropped after a key witness admitted to lying.

How long did Tanner Bruhn face these allegations?

Tanner Bruhn faced these allegations for approximately one year, during which he missed the entire 2025 AFL season.

What does Tanner Bruhn want following the dismissal of charges?

Bruhn wants to move forward with his life and career while also seeking accountability for those who made false allegations against him.