🚨 “I CAN’T STAY SILENT ANY LONGER!” — SHOCK Twist in Tom Silvagni Rape Case: Victim Breaks Her Silence After Disgusting Claims About Her Personal Life, While AFL Legend’s Son Drops Fresh Evidence in Appeal Bid 😱💥

The victim of  Tom Silvagni – son of Carlton AFL icon Stephen Silvagni – has finally hit back hard.

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The victim of Tom Silvagni, the 23-year-old son of AFL legend Stephen Silvagni convicted of two counts of rape, has publicly addressed what she describes as “disgusting” online commentary questioning her trauma based on her social media activity and personal choices. Her statement comes as Silvagni, serving a six-year-and-two-month prison sentence, advances his appeal against the convictions, citing alleged trial errors involving key prosecution evidence.

Silvagni was found guilty in December 2025 by a Victorian County Court jury of raping a woman twice at his family home in Balwyn North, Melbourne, in the early hours of January 14, 2024. The offences involved deception: Silvagni allegedly pretended to be the victim’s casual partner, Anthony LoGiudice, after LoGiudice had left via Uber. Evidence included a forged Uber receipt Silvagni admitted creating to support his false narrative. Judge Gregory Lyon described the crimes as marked by “planning, cunning and strategy,” noting a lack of remorse from Silvagni, who was sentenced with a non-parole period of three years and three months.

The victim, whose identity remains suppressed by court order, delivered an emotional impact statement during pre-sentencing hearings, stating the assault haunted her “every single day” and led to a PTSD diagnosis. She told the court, “Tom Silvagni, you raped me,” emphasizing lifelong trauma.

In January 2026, amid Silvagni’s appeal push, the woman responded to online speculation via Instagram Stories (visible for 24 hours). She addressed claims that her posts, appearance, and lifestyle choices undermined her victim status: “Her social media doesn’t look like she’s a victim.” In reply, she wrote: “After going through hell, best believe I am going to rock up to Pilates in a cute matching set.” She further stated: “What someone chooses to post on social media is not giving consent or ‘asking for it’… What a survivor chooses to put on social media doesn’t mean they aren’t traumatised or that ‘it never happened’.” She rejected suggestions that clothing or life decisions post-assault negate trauma or imply fabrication.

The victim’s posts followed renewed public scrutiny triggered by Silvagni’s appeal filing in early January 2026. Court documents released by the Supreme Court of Victoria outline two grounds: first, that Judge Lyon erred in ruling Silvagni’s statements during a police-recorded “pretext call” with the victim 11 days post-incident constituted “incriminating conduct.” In the call, Silvagni reportedly urged the woman to “move on” and “forget about the incident” for “everyone’s reassurance.” Prosecutors presented this as post-offence behavior suggesting consciousness of guilt. Silvagni’s lawyers argue it was not capable of being viewed as incriminating, nor properly admissible or relied upon.

The second ground challenges the judge’s jury directions on permissible uses of such evidence, claiming errors in explaining limited circumstances for consideration. No appeal has been lodged against the sentence itself. An oral hearing date in the Victorian Court of Appeal has not been set.

Silvagni’s parents, Stephen (a Carlton great and Team of the Century fullback) and Jo Silvagni (former TV personality), have supported their son publicly. After the verdict, Stephen stated emotionally outside court: “Our son continues to maintain his innocence and we stand firmly behind him. Our goal is to clear his name and bring him home.” The family faced criticism for not remaining in court during the victim’s impact statement and for perceived lack of empathy toward her. Jo Silvagni was photographed shoving a reporter while leaving the courthouse.

The case has divided opinion in AFL circles and beyond. Online discussions, including on Reddit’s r/AFL forum, have condemned the Silvagni family’s stance as tone-deaf, with some accusing them of victim-blaming by implying innocence post-conviction. Others note parental loyalty while questioning the impact on the victim’s well-being amid further legal proceedings. The trial featured a bitter undercurrent between the Silvagni and LoGiudice families, exacerbated by evidence of Silvagni’s attempts to shift blame.

Suppression orders shielded Silvagni’s identity for over a year, initially granted citing mental health concerns and family implications. The order was lifted post-verdict, allowing public identification tied to his famous relatives—grandfather Serge Silvagni (Carlton premiership player) and brother Jack (AFL player with St Kilda).

The appeal focuses narrowly on procedural and evidentiary issues rather than re-litigating facts. Legal experts note that successful appeals on “incriminating conduct” grounds often hinge on strict admissibility rules under Victorian evidence law, where post-offence lies or evasions must clearly indicate guilt awareness. The pretext call’s content—urging the complainant to drop the matter—formed a key plank of the prosecution case.

Broader implications touch on high-profile sexual assault cases in Australia, including victim-blaming tropes and the toll of appeals on complainants. Support organizations like 1800RESPECT have highlighted resources for those affected. The victim’s decision to speak out underscores ongoing challenges for survivors facing public scrutiny, especially when linked to celebrity families.

As the appeal progresses, the case remains a flashpoint. Silvagni serves his sentence while pursuing exoneration; the victim continues recovery amid renewed attention. Whether the Court of Appeal finds merit in the arguments or upholds the convictions will determine the next chapter in this tragic, high-stakes saga.