Jackie 'O' Henderson has issued a statement denying she resigned from the Kyle and Jackie O Show, following a public fallout with co-host Kyle Sandilands. The breakfast radio host said she is 'deeply saddened' by the possibility of the show ending and that media reports of her departure contain 'speculation and misinformation'.
Henderson's statement contradicts the account given by the Australian Radio Network (ARN), which told the ASX on Tuesday that she had 'given notice that she cannot continue to work with Mr Kyle Sandilands' and that her contract had been terminated. ARN also accused Sandilands of 'serious misconduct' and suspended him for 14 days.
The dispute began a fortnight ago when Sandilands mocked Henderson's interest in astrology on air, accusing her of being 'unfocused' and 'not doing her job'. Henderson became emotional, saying it was a 'total attack'. She did not return to work the following week, and after ten days ARN took the show off air.
Henderson indicated she may take legal action, saying she is 'addressing this through the appropriate legal channels'. She thanked supporters for their messages during 'an incredibly challenging time'. Both hosts signed record $100m contracts in 2023 for a decade of shows.
Sandilands remains under contract but must show how he will remedy the alleged breach or face termination. The show also faces regulatory action from the Australian Communications and Media Authority over previous 'vulgar' content.
