Kyle Sandilands has filed legal documents claiming he suffered humiliation and reputational damage after being sacked by Kiis FM over an on-air argument with co-host Jackie O Henderson. The shock jock and Henderson were both terminated from their breakfast show last month, a year after signing separate 10-year contracts worth a combined $100 million.
In a statement of claim prepared by his counsel, Sandilands argues that his contract could only be terminated for serious misconduct, and that the incident cited does not qualify. The contract specified that termination could occur if Sandilands committed an act of serious misconduct affecting the program. CBC, the licensee, pointed to comments Sandilands made to Henderson during a broadcast on 20 February 2026.
Sandilands maintains the exchange lasted only about 20 minutes on a single day and did not constitute persistent misconduct. He argues that his role as a 'robust character' and 'deliberately provocative' presenter meant the behaviour was consistent with his contracted duties. After being given 14 days to remedy the situation, his contract was terminated at midnight, depriving him of the remaining $85 million.
Court documents from Henderson's separate case reveal she had texted the network head five months earlier about listener complaints that she was in an 'abusive relationship' with Sandilands. Sandilands denies any wrongdoing and has asked the court to rule his termination invalid, seeking damages for economic and non-economic loss.
The respondents have until 21 April to file a defence, with the next court hearing scheduled for 24 April.
