Jackie 'O' Henderson has broken her silence to deny that she quit or resigned from the Kyle and Jackie O Show, contradicting statements made by the Australian Radio Network (ARN). In a statement released through her manager, Henderson said she was 'deeply saddened' by the events of the past week and the possibility of the show ending.
The co-host's statement appears to conflict with ARN's earlier explanation that Henderson had 'given notice that she cannot continue to work with Mr Kyle Sandilands' and that her contract had been terminated. ARN told the ASX that Sandilands had been accused of 'serious misconduct' and the show had been taken off air.
Henderson indicated she would take legal action, alleging widespread misinformation in the media about her departure. 'Over the past few days, there has been a lot of speculation and misinformation about my departure from the show,' she said. 'I want to make one important point very clear: I did not quit or resign.'
The dispute stems from an on-air argument two weeks ago, when Sandilands mocked Henderson's interest in astrology, accusing her of being 'unfocused' and 'off with the pixies'. Henderson became emotional and did not return to work the following week. The show was taken off air after 10 days.
Each presenter signed a record $100m contract in 2023 for a decade of breakfast shows. Sandilands remains under contract but has been suspended for 14 days. ARN said his contract would be ended if he fails to remedy the alleged breach. The broadcaster also faces enforcement action from the Australian Communications and Media Authority over previous 'vulgar' content.
