Radio Host Escalates Legal Battle with ARN Over Millions
Radio personality Jackie ‘O’ Henderson is pursuing an additional $3 million from the Australian Radio Network (ARN) as her legal dispute with the company intensifies. The ongoing conflict stems from the termination of her substantial $100 million contract with the network.
New Loan Repayment Claim Filed
Court documents filed in Federal Court reveal that Henderson has initiated a claim for the repayment of a loan agreement. This new development adds another layer to the already complex legal proceedings initiated in April.
According to the amended statement of claim, Henderson alleges that ARN breached a $3 million agreement related to the purchase of company shares on her behalf. The agreement stipulated that the loan was provided by CBC to Henderson Media for the purpose of acquiring ordinary shares in ARN.
Henderson’s legal team asserts that she entered into the loan agreement with ARN in October 2023. The terms, as presented, indicated that ARN was only authorized to sell these shares on behalf of Henderson and her company if she terminated or breached the agreement.
Allegations of Wrongful Share Sale
The radio star’s lawyers contend that on April 29, ARN proceeded to sell the shares, purportedly to repay the loan. ARN declared that a ‘bad leaver’ event had occurred, a determination Henderson’s legal representatives are challenging.
“The company’s solicitors did not describe the basis on which the Board of ARN had determined that a ‘bad leaver’ event occurred,” the court documents state. Henderson maintains that she did not terminate or breach the loan agreement and is seeking compensation for the alleged breach.
Medical Examination Mandated in Legal Action
In related legal action, Henderson is reportedly required to undergo a medical examination. Court documents released indicate that this examination will be conducted by a medical expert selected by ARN.
ARN is then expected to submit an affidavit from this expert on August 6. This requirement follows Henderson’s initial Fair Work claim filed in April after her radio contract was terminated.
Workplace Safety and Contract Dispute
Henderson launched her claim against ARN, alleging a failure to provide a safe workplace and to minimize psychosocial risks, following several complaints made against her former co-host, Kyle Sandilands. Her representatives have confirmed they will continue with the court case.
This legal battle unfolds as Sandilands recently reached a settlement with ARN for $12.09 million. However, insiders suggest Henderson’s potential payout could be significantly less than Sandilands’ settlement.
Sandilands’ settlement, which includes advertising contra, has reportedly influenced expectations for Henderson’s case. Her contract with ARN may not include similar additional benefits, potentially placing her settlement in the range of $7.5 million to $10 million.
Henderson is suing ARN for wrongful termination, asserting that her dismissal violated the Fair Work Act. A key point of contention is ARN’s assertion that Henderson initiated the end of ‘The Kyle & Jackie O Show’ after raising concerns about psychosocial health, safety, and bullying directed at Sandilands.
Henderson refutes this claim, insisting she did not resign. ARN had previously stated she had given notice that she could no longer work with her co-host. The two parties also disagree on whether an alternative program was ever offered to Henderson, a claim her legal team denies.
