Kyle Sandilands Blindsided by Former Co-Host’s Allegations
Kyle Sandilands expresses surprise over Jackie ‘O’ Henderson’s bullying accusations against him. Court documents reveal Henderson raised concerns with KIIS radio executives six months before their on-air fallout.
Henderson filed a civil lawsuit in Federal Court against ARN Media, owner of KIIS FM, challenging the end of her $100 million contract. Sources indicate Sandilands was unaware of her complaints prior to their clash on February 20.
Early Complaints Surface
Henderson began discussing Sandilands’ alleged degrading comments with KIIS network head Derek Bargwanna and executive producer Natalie Penfold in mid-2025. The issues started on August 20, when Sandilands criticized her ‘psycho babble’ and ‘weird psychological bulls***’ during a live broadcast, targeting her personal and dating life.
Sandilands maintains ARN executives never provided formal feedback on the incident. He only learned of the complaints through Henderson’s court filing. A source close to Sandilands states, ‘I think maybe they were afraid or didn’t want to intervene. Who knows? I don’t think it was part of some conspiracy.’
The source notes Sandilands had no direct indication of Henderson’s ongoing anger, as she never addressed it with him. Such remarks align with his on-air style. ‘Dating was on the table at certain times, and he had no idea [she was still upset] because she did not mention anything directly to Kyle,’ the source adds. ‘Kyle being like, “I don’t know if you’re going to find anyone,” that is part of the parameters of the segment.’
Escalating Tensions
On September 10, an on-air argument occurred, though Henderson claims the remarks were censored. At 6:23 a.m., she texted Bargwanna: ‘I will not be spoken to the way I was (particularly off air)…’
Bargwanna later shared that Sandilands wanted to discuss his weight loss success. Henderson responded, highlighting complaints from female listeners about Sandilands’ behavior and labeling their dynamic ‘abusive.’ She requested ARN chairman Hamish McLennan and managing director Ciaran Davis be informed. Bargwanna confirmed discussions with both executives.
The partnership collapsed on February 20 during their final broadcast. Sandilands described Henderson’s astrology interest as a ‘fixation’ that made her ‘almost unworkable,’ prompting her to leave the studio in tears. Executives took no action to intervene.
Legal Battle Unfolds
The next day, February 21, Henderson messaged CEO Michael Stephenson and chief content officer Kerri Elstub, calling Sandilands’ conduct ‘unfair, inappropriate and completely unprovoked.’ She inquired about new boundaries.
On February 26, her lawyers sent a complaint to Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation, an ARN subsidiary, citing notified bullying and unsafe conditions. Henderson stated she could not work with Sandilands but offered to continue on another show.
CBC lawyers replied on March 3, interpreting the letter as contract termination, which Henderson contests. She further accuses the company of misleading ASX announcements.
Henderson seeks at least $82.25 million in remaining contract value, alleging breach of the Fair Work Act for denying a safe workplace. She also pursues penalties, interest, and costs.
Separately, Sandilands sues ARN, arguing the incident does not qualify as serious misconduct since the employer encouraged such behavior.
