Radio host Kyle Sandilands has appeared in court today, as he and former co-host Jackie “O” Henderson continue their legal battle against former employer ARN. The former hosts of KIIS FM’s The Kyle and Jackie O Show are suing the radio network following an on-air spat that derailed their top-rated program and ultimately their $100 million contracts.
Arriving at court on Friday morning, Sandilands told reporters he had not spoken to Henderson. “I’m not really nervous,” Sandilands said outside court. “Put me back on the radio and let’s get the share price back up.”
Legal Arguments Over Contract Termination
Sandilands’ legal team argues the termination of his contract was invalid and his behaviour did not amount to serious misconduct. The controversial radio host will also argue his former employer was aware of his abrasive on-air persona and had effectively made that behaviour a condition of his contract, his lawyer said on Friday.
ARN has countersued Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson over lost ad revenue. Sandilands’ barrister Scott Robertson SC argued the shock jock’s contract was unfairly terminated because he had a “special immunity” to outrageous conduct. “Particular kinds of conduct ... might be considered serious misconduct under workplace law but not when you consider the contract,” Robertson said. “If you buy Kyle, you get Kyle.”
Robertson added headline-drawing outbursts were “contractually desired” by ARN, with clips of arguments between the pair monetised through social media.
Henderson’s Claims and Health Concerns
Sandilands, arriving in a Rolls-Royce and wearing a custom-made suit, attended a case management hearing at the Federal Court. Henderson’s interlocutory hearing was heard later in the day — her agent Gemma O’Neill was in court. Henderson’s team claim she had complained about Sandilands’ conduct six months before the public falling out, as part of a wrongful termination claim. Her lawyer Vanja Bulut said evidence was expected to be called detailing the damage to Henderson’s health and wellbeing as a result of the sacking.
Sandilands allegedly said some of Henderson’s comments were “weird, psychological bullshit” and her belief in “hype words” was negatively impacting her dating life. He is also alleged to have made offensive comments to her in September 2025 that prompted her to raise a complaint with station staff. “Don’t f***ing bother coming back either until you get your f***ing shit together like a normal person,” Sandilands allegedly told Henderson off-air. “I’ve been carrying this whole show for a f***ing a year.”
Financial Implications and Trial Date
Both are seeking the full payout of the remainder of their 10-year, $100 million contracts signed at the end of 2023. Ratings have slumped in The Kyle and Jackie O Show’s former slot as the duo’s employer attempts to recoup millions in lost profits. Sandilands and Henderson both face a countersuit from ARN, which claims the pair cost the company key advertising revenue through their sacking.
Leaving court after his appearance, Sandilands said he had “no regrets”. He added “the truth will raise its head” during the case against his former employer, as a Sydney judge considers whether proceedings brought by Henderson should be heard together. While a final decision on whether the cases will be heard separately is expected in May, both matters have been tentatively listed for a trial starting on October 12.
