Jackie O Henderson’s radio lawsuit returns to Federal Court after ARN settles with Kyle Sandilands for $12m

Jackie O Henderson’s multimillion-dollar lawsuit against ARN will proceed to a 10-day trial in October, despite ARN’s $12.09 million settlement with Kyle Sandilands ending his parallel Federal Court case. Justice Angus Stewart said the settlement had changed the litigation but kept the existing trial dates, directed the parties to exchange proposed discovery categories, and said the case may still be transferred because employment matters are not his usual area. Henderson’s barrister said her evidence is filed and she remains keen to proceed in October, while the respondents were ordered to pay Henderson’s costs for a discontinued cross-claim in the settled Sandilands proceedings.

The dispute arose after The Kyle and Jackie O Show collapsed in February, when Sandilands accused Henderson on air of being "off with the fairies" and "mental" during an astrology discussion. Henderson left in tears and later said she could not continue working with him. Both broadcasters then sued ARN after their contracts were terminated: Sandilands sought about $85 million for alleged unlawful dismissal, while Henderson seeks at least $82.25 million for alleged adverse action, breach of contract and misleading or deceptive conduct. ARN denies her claims, saying it lawfully terminated her contract after she refused to work with Sandilands. Under Sandilands’ settlement, ARN will pay $3 million next month, with the balance paid by June 2029, plus $1.5 million in advertising and a 19.9% revenue share for up to three years, while Sandilands agreed not to work for a rival radio broadcaster for up to nine months.

(Source：The Nightly)