Kyle and Jackie O Feud Heats Up Over Contract

Radio giant ARN say  was responsible for her own wellbeing while hosting the Kyle and Jackie O Show because she signed her $100million deal through a company rather than as an individual, court documents reveal.

Henderson is suing the ARN, the owner of KIIS 106.5, in the Federal Court after her contract was torn up following a fiery on‑air clash with co‑host on February 20.

She claims her radio bosses knew about Sandilands' alleged bullying and that the Fair Work Act was breached when they failed to ensure she was provided with a safe workspace.

Sandilands' own $100million contract was also torn up, and he is suing the broadcaster separately on different grounds.

Defence documents lodged by ARN, obtained by the Daily Mail, say Sandilands often made 'offensive and degrading' comments to Henderson, but the broadcaster had 'no ability or powers' to stop him.

Henderson and Sandilands signed their contracts using their respective businesses, Henderson Media and Quasar. ARN claims those businesses were responsible for the welfare and conduct of the co‑hosts, rather than the broadcaster.

The radio giant's defence also referred to a complaint from Henderson's lawyers about Sandilands in the days following the February argument, stating she would not return to work until she was given an alternative radio show.

To ARN, that meant Henderson did not intend to return to work if there was no alternative show. ARN said it did not propose an alternative show because there was no obligation to do so.

In its defence, ARN said Henderson and Sandilands' businesses were 'solely responsible' for controlling the manner in which the Kyle and Jackie O Show was delivered.

The broadcaster referred to a clause in her $100million contract, claiming it was 'acknowledged and agreed' that Henderson Media was responsible for ensuring the health and safety of Henderson while working for ARN.

Henderson claimed she had physical symptoms from a psychological illness stemming from Sandilands’ alleged bullying conduct.

In its defence, ARN claimed her suffering and humiliation were caused by Sandilands and not because ARN breached the Fair Work Act.

ARN also responded to Henderson's claims that the contents of another on‑air argument between herself and Sandilands on September 10, 2025, were 'dumped' by the censor and never went to air.

ARN said any dumping of content would have taken place after the alleged bullying or unwanted conduct occurred and would not have prevented Sandilands from making the comments in the first place.

The core of Henderson's claim is that she made a number of complaints about Sandilands, that ARN executives knew about those complaints, and failed to ensure she was provided with a safe workspace.

In its defence, ARN agreed that Henderson made those complaints and claimed to have supported her throughout that time, which included personal support from the ARN CEO and from former chief audience and content officer Lauren Joyce.

On September 16, 2025, Ms Joyce emailed Henderson's manager and best friend Gemma O'Neill, saying: 'This is a serious matter, and Jackie’s wellbeing is our priority.

'We are absolutely committed to upholding [ARN’s obligations under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth)] and to making sure Jackie feels safe, supported and respected.'

ARN also claimed CEO Michael Stephenson texted Henderson on February 20 - the day of Henderson's final argument with Sandilands - saying: 'Hey Jackie, just checking in to make sure that you're OK.'

The broadcaster said Mr Stephenson texted Henderson a number of times between February 21 and 28, asking about her wellbeing.

On February 28, Henderson texted Mr Stephenson, saying: 'Thank you so much Stepho. 

'Gemma said how amazing you’ve been and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that [folded hands emoji] I hope you’re having a great, well earned, weekend xx'

Henderson is suing for $82million losses and damages because that's what was left on her contract by the time it was thrown out.

The situation unfolded on February 20, when Sandilands said Henderson's 'fixation' on astrology made her 'almost unworkable' - to the point where she left the studio in tears.

Sandilands then said: 'You can't start crying about it, it's not that big a deal.'

On February 26, Henderson's lawyers wrote a letter of complaint to ARN explaining the broadcaster had been notified about Sandilands' 'bullying'.

The letter said Henderson 'could not continue to work with Mr Sandilands', but that she was willing to continue her contract with a different show.

ARN's lawyers replied on March 3, saying Henderson's letter of complaint equated to the termination of her $100million contract.

Her matter will be mentioned in the Federal Court on Friday.