Former Sydney radio broadcaster Jackie “O” Henderson has filed legal action against employer ARN Media, following the collapse of the hit Kyle and Jackie O Show.
In a statement to the ASX, ARN Media confirmed Henderson had commenced legal action over her contract termination and was claiming at least $82 million in compensation.
The Kyle and Jackie O Show, broadcast on ARN Media-owned KIIS FM, came to an abrupt end last month after an on-air row between Henderson and co-host Kyle Sandilands.
Sandilands was taken off-air and later sacked, with the ex-radio star subsequently launching wrongful termination claims against ARN Media.
Jackie Henderson and Kyle Sandilands had an on-air partnership of 25 years.
In a statement, ARN Media said Henderson sent a letter to Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation, a subsidiary of ARN, saying she had “made psychosocial health and safety and bullying complaints in relation to the conduct of Mr Sandilands” following the February 20 on-air row.
The network said Henderson was claiming compensation “of at least $82,250,000”.
ARN disputes the claims. It intends to defend the proceedings,” the network said in its statement.
It comes as Sandilands fronted the Federal Court in Sydney for the first time last week, telling reporters the termination of his $100 million contract had been “traumatic”.
He denied allegations of misconduct and said his priority was to return to radio.
“I want to get back to work as quick as possible. I’ve got a family to support,” he said on Friday.
A judge provisionally reserved five hearing days in June for Sandilands’s matter.
Henderson’s filing comes a week after Kyle Sandilands went to Federal Court for his first hearing in the battle with ARN Media.
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A Sydney-based employment lawyer says the network who owns radio station KIIS FM acted “prematurely” when it cancelled the controversial Kyle and Jackie O Show.
Sandilands and Henderson had been due to remain on air until at least 2034 as part of a combined $200 million contract with ARN Media.
The pair had worked together for more than 25 years.
The legal proceedings were acknowledged in ARN Media’s annual report, also published on Tuesday.
In the report, chief executive Michael Stephenson said ARN Media recognised the “success that the Kyle and Jackie O show delivered over many years”.
“Looking ahead, we are developing several new shows that will deliver content that resonates with our audiences and creates value for our commercial partners,” he said in the report.
Sandilands said he had not been able to speak to Henderson since his suspension.
Henderson previously said she was “deeply saddened” by the demise of the radio show.
Henderson has been contacted for comment.
