In a rare public sighting just days before Christmas 2025, Jo Silvagni, the mother of convicted rapist Tom Silvagni, has been photographed wheeling out rubbish bins outside a luxury rental home in Melbourne’s Balwyn North. The former TV personality, known for her glamorous roles on Sale of the Century and long-running Chemist Warehouse ads, appeared subdued in activewear as she broke cover amid intense scrutiny following her 23-year-old son’s sentencing to more than six years in jail for rape. The once-prominent AFL family—tied to Carlton legend Stephen Silvagni—is now laying low in a $2,200-a-week mansion, plotting an appeal while Jo’s own media future hangs in the balance amid public backlash.

The sighting comes after a tumultuous month for the Silvagnis, with Tom jailed on December 17 and the family vowing to fight the conviction. As Australia heads into the holidays, questions swirl: How is the high-profile clan coping, and what does this mean for Jo’s enduring spot in the spotlight?

The Crime and Conviction: A Family Legacy Tarnished

Tom Silvagni, the youngest son of AFL Hall of Famer Stephen Silvagni and TV icon Jo (née Bailey), was convicted on December 5 of two counts of digital rape against his lifelong friend’s girlfriend in January 2024. The attack occurred at the family’s former Balwyn North home—now sold—after Tom deceived the woman into believing her boyfriend was returning, then assaulted her in a darkened bedroom.

Judge Gregory Lyon described the acts as “egregious and callous,” noting Tom’s lack of remorse and attempts to cover up with a forged Uber receipt. Sentenced to six years and two months, with a non-parole period of three years and three months, Tom maintains innocence. The family has flagged an appeal, with Stephen previously stating: “Our goal is to clear his name and bring him home.”

A lengthy suppression order—fiercely contested by media—kept Tom’s identity secret for over a year, lifted only after conviction.

Jo Silvagni Breaks Cover: First Sighting Post-Sentencing

On Tuesday, December 23, Jo was captured on camera outside the family’s temporary multimillion-dollar rental, dressed in a red windcheater and leggings, calmly taking out bins. The property, owned by a lawyer, is near their sold former mansion where the crime occurred.

This mundane task marks her first public appearance since lashing out at reporters post-sentencing, pushing one aside and snapping “Do your job!” Jo had also been accused of glaring at the victim in court during impact statements.

The family has relocated intermittently, reportedly spending time in Queensland, but returns to Victoria for legal matters.

Jo’s TV Career in Jeopardy: Backlash Builds

Once a beloved figure as Jo Bailey on 1990s hits like Sale of the Century and Looking Good, Jo has been the face of Chemist Warehouse for over a decade, plus Berkowitz Furniture endorsements.

Public fury over the family’s staunch support for Tom—including no expressed sympathy for the victim—has sparked boycott calls. Chemist Warehouse has quietly removed some promotional material featuring Jo, declining comment on her future.

PR experts suggest a pause in campaigns: “It may be best not to use her for the next three months.” Similar scrutiny hit other brands post-courtroom incidents.

The Silvagni Family: From AFL Royalty to Controversy

Stephen Silvagni, a Carlton premiership hero and Hall of Famer, has stood firmly by Tom, reading statements of disappointment post-verdict. Brothers Jack and Ben—both with AFL ties—keep lower profiles.

The clan, once celebrated for its football dynasty spanning generations (including grandfather Sergio), now faces a sullied reputation. Social media backlash has been fierce, with some condemning the parents’ appeal push as dismissive of the victim.

Victim impact statements described lasting trauma, calling Tom’s actions “evil.”

A Somber Christmas: Appeal Looms

Tom spends his first Christmas in prison, missing family traditions Jo once boasted about in ads. The Silvagnis rally privately, focused on legal battles ahead.

Public opinion remains divided: Support for the victim contrasts with debate over parental loyalty. As 2025 ends, Jo’s low-key bin run symbolizes a family retreating from the glare—but for how long?

Chemist Warehouse and other brands watch closely. The appeal could drag the saga into 2026, keeping the spotlight unwelcome.