Jackie O Initiates Legal Battle Against KIIS FM Over Alleged On-Air Abuse
Jackie 'O' Henderson has formally filed legal proceedings against the licence holder of radio station KIIS, where she co-hosted a highly successful ratings show with Kyle Sandilands. Court documents reveal that Henderson alleges she was subjected to "degrading" comments from Sandilands, ultimately leading to her departure from the airwaves.
Allegations of Degrading Conduct and Listener Complaints
In her wrongful termination claim, Henderson asserts that she was "pushed too far" by Sandilands' behaviour, which included references to her "period time" and criticisms of her personal life. The court filings detail that five months before leaving the show, Henderson sent a text message to Derek Bargwanna, head of the KIIS Network, expressing concern over listener complaints. She noted that many listeners, particularly women, were describing the dynamic as an "abusive relationship."
Henderson provided examples of these complaints, urging network executives to address the issue. The documents outline a prior incident on 20 August 2025, where Henderson walked off air after Sandilands made "offensive and degrading comments" about her character and dating life. During that broadcast, Sandilands reportedly dismissed her comments as "psycho-babble" and questioned her ability to find a partner, leading Henderson to respond, "don't attack me."
Final On-Air Incident and Termination
The situation escalated on 20 February, when Henderson left the studio permanently after Sandilands mocked her interest in astrology. Court papers state that Sandilands swore at her, saying, "This shit is mental ... You don't know what you're doing all the time ... You don't give a shit." Henderson became "visibly and audibly" upset, and the network, according to the claim, did not intervene to stop Sandilands' conduct.
Following this, on 21 February, Henderson sent a text message to Michael Stephenson, the chief executive officer, and Kerri Elstub, the chief content officer, describing Sandilands' actions as "unfair, inappropriate and completely unprovoked." She inquired about measures to establish "boundaries and expectations moving forward." However, on 3 March, ARN Media, the owner of KIIS, announced the immediate cancellation of the breakfast show, citing Henderson's inability to continue working with Sandilands after 25 years.
Legal Claims and Compensation Demand
Henderson launched legal action in the federal court against the Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) four weeks after her contract was terminated by ARN Media. She is seeking compensation of "at least $82,250,000" for the wrongful termination of her 10-year contract. The claim highlights that Henderson reported the issues to senior producers, including Bargwanna and executive producer Natalie Penfold, but alleges no effective action was taken.
The matter is scheduled for its first court mention on 24 April, with CBC's defence yet to be filed. This case underscores ongoing tensions in the media industry regarding workplace conduct and contractual disputes.
