Kyle Sandilands has launched legal action against radio station owner ARN, claiming he was wrongfully fired from The Kyle and Jackie O Show.
Earlier this month, ARN announced Sandilands had breached his contract with an on-air argument with co-host Jackie ‘O’ Henderson.
Sandilands has since filed a lawsuit in the Federal Court, claiming the move was “invalid” on the grounds that he had not breached any of the contract’s terms.
Context
Over more than two decades on air, The Kyle and Jackie O Show dominated Sydney radio ratings.
In 2023, Sandilands and Henderson signed a $200 million, 10-year contract – one of the largest deals in Australian radio history. The following year, ARN launched the show in Melbourne, where it has struggled to maintain an audience.
Late last month, Sandilands and Henderson argued on air, with Sandilands questioning Henderson’s work ethic after she looked into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s horoscope, telling her she was “off with the fairies.”
Following the fight, Henderson took a leave of absence from the show.
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On 3 March, ARN announced Henderson had told the network she could no longer work with Sandilands. ARN said Henderson would not continue to present the show.
It suspended Sandilands, alleging an “act of serious misconduct,” and giving him 14 days to “remedy this breach” or have his contract cancelled.
ARN terminated his contract last week.
Henderson later denied having quit or resigned, and indicated she would pursue the matter through legal channels.
Lawsuit
Sandilands alleges his termination was invalid because there was no act of serious misconduct or breach of contract.
He is asking to be paid the money for the remainder of his contract, and compensated for any losses he has incurred as a result of being let go.
The network said in a statement on Tuesday that it “disputes the claims” and “intends to defend the proceedings.“
