Former radio host Jackie “O” Henderson attempted to terminate her contract with ARN Media by threatening to file a workplace harassment complaint, court documents say.
The radio giant has filed an amended defense to the claims made by Henderson in her Federal Court claim, alleging she was unfairly dismissed after refusing to work with co-host Kyle Sandilands.
Jackie O Henderson. AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi
Henderson claims she was wrongfully fired from her $100 million hosting gig at KIIS FM in early 2026 and is expected to provide evidence of subsequent damage to her health and well-being.
In a new defense released by the court on Thursday, ARN claims Henderson’s threats to bring a workplace bullying claim at SafeWork NSW did not comply with labor laws.
“The fact that Ms Henderson and Henderson Media retained the right to make a report to SafeWork NSW was not done in good faith or for the proper purpose,” the radio giant argues.
According to the defense, Henderson had no serious intention of filing a claim with the workplace inspectorate because no proceedings had been initiated.
“Instead (it was) to provide Ms. Henderson and Henderson Media with an alternative time of day that (ARN) was not contractually obligated to provide,” the company alleges.
ARN reports that Henderson always had the option to make a formal complaint about bullying, but according to her contract, she would have to continue working with Sandilands while the case was adjudicated.
However, the testimony of Henderson’s manager, Gemma O’Neill, points to Henderson’s true intentions, the defense argues.
“Ms. Henderson had already ‘decided’ to perform on another show at another time of day,” ARN’s defense says.
Another new part of ARN’s defense argues that Henderson should be forced to repay the cost of the loan used to buy ARN shares because her contract was legally terminated.
The radio presenters’ public row turned legal after an exchange between the celebrity couple in February, when Sandilands accused his co-host of being “behind the fairies”.
Kyle Sandilands. Sam Is
Sandilands settled his case with ARN in June, receiving a $12 million payout.
He has since announced plans for a new subscription-based show that will feature some of those laid off when The Kyle and Jackie O Show went off the air.
Henderson is still seeking full payment of the remaining balance on her $100 million contract.