Jackie O Henderson Sues ARN for $82.25M Over Termination

Jackie O Henderson, the former co-host of one of Australia's top-rated radio programs, has filed a lawsuit against ARN Media, seeking at least $82.25 million in compensation for what she alleges was an unlawful termination of her contract. The Federal Court proceedings, announced by ARN on Tuesday, target the company's subsidiary, Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation, which operates KIIS FM in Sydney.

The dispute stems from an on-air argument on February 20 between Henderson and her long-time co-host Kyle Sandilands during their morning show on KIIS FM. Sandilands criticized Henderson's interest in horoscopes while discussing disgraced former British royal Prince Andrew, accusing her of being "off with the fairies" and unprofessional. Henderson responded by sending a formal complaint letter to ARN in early March, stating she could no longer work with Sandilands and raising concerns about psychosocial health and safety issues, including allegations of bullying by him both during and prior to the incident.

According to court documents, Henderson claims the termination of her contract shortly after the letter violated section 340 of the Fair Work Act 2009, which protects employees...