The cancellation followed a breakdown in relations between Sandilands and Henderson, triggered by an on-air argument in February, according to multiple reports. During the argument, Sandilands mocked Henderson for her interest in horoscopes and astrology, multiple reports indicate. Henderson said she cannot continue to work with Sandilands and would not present the show anymore, multiple reports indicate.
Sandilands apologized to Henderson via text message after the argument, according to multiple reports. Sandilands rejected the termination and threatened legal consequences, as reported by major media. Henderson filed a legal action in federal court claiming at least $82,250,000 for wrongful termination of her contract, multiple reports indicate.
I don't accept it. My lawyers told them last week this would be invalid. And guess what? It is.
Her claim alleges adverse action and misleading statements by ARN. The Australian Communications and Media Authority imposed a five-year licence condition on KIIS FM Sydney and Melbourne, prohibiting strong sexual content on any show hosted by Sandilands or Henderson, according to multiple reports. Acma imposed the condition due to repeated breaches of decency provisions, including airing audio of staff urinating and lewd discussions, multiple reports indicate.
ARN offered Henderson the possibility of an alternative show on its network, according to multiple reports. The specific actions by Sandilands that constituted the 'serious misconduct' cited by ARN for his termination have not been disclosed, and the exact details of Henderson's legal proceedings, including the basis for the $82+ million compensation claim, remain unclear.
Jackie and I had a blue on air. That's it. The kind of thing we've done a hundred times in 25 years.
ARN took the situation and decided to try and burn the place down. They sacked Jackie. They suspended me. They wouldn't even let me pick up the phone to call her or anyone else on the show.
On 20 February, I had an argument with Jackie on air about something that had been bothering me for a while. I said things I wish I had said differently. That same evening, I sent Jackie a message telling her I was sorry for anything I said that didn't go down well, that I love her and care for her, and that I could have handled it better.