Kyle Sandilands, Jackie O Henderson, ARN legal fight back in Federal Court

Shock jock Kyle Sandilands is likely to admit to a series of explicit and offensive statements towards his co-host in a high-stakes court case.

But the infamous radio presenter will argue that former employer ARN was well aware of his personality and made that behavior a condition of his contract, his lawyer said today.

Both Sandilands and Jackie “O” Henderson are suing ARN after an on-air brawl that blew up their top-rated show.

The cases were heard jointly by the Federal Court today, but no reunion took place between the star couple.

Sandilands’ barrister Scott Robertson SC argued that the radio presenter’s contract had been wrongly terminated because he had “special immunity” for scandalous conduct.

“Certain types of behavior … may be considered serious misconduct under employment law, but not when you look at the contract,” Robertson said.

“When you buy Kyle, you get Kyle.”

Robertson said headline bursts were “contractually desired” by ARN and snippets of arguments between the two were monetized by posting to social media.

Sandilands is reported to have said that some of Henderson’s comments were “weird, psychological nonsense”, and that her belief in “hype words” was having a negative impact on her dating life.

He allegedly made offensive comments to her in September 2025, prompting her to complain to station staff.

“Also, don’t bother coming back until you get your shit together like a normal person,” Sandilands allegedly told Henderson.

“I’ve been wearing this whole show for a year.”

The pair are both seeking full payout of the remainder of their 10-year, $100 million contract, signed in late 2023.

Media scrum on arrival

Arriving in a black Rolls-Royce worth about $1 million, Sandilands told waiting reporters that his hearing was “just a procedural day” and would provide “no fun.”

When asked if he had spoken to his co-host Jackie “O,” whose own separate lawsuit against ARN will also be heard in federal court today, Kyle said he didn’t expect her to appear.

Sandilands said his message for ARN was simple: “Put me back on the radio.”

“Let’s get the stock price back up.”

He was then asked about ARN’s counterclaim, which described a number of alleged violations by him.

“There’s strategy and then there’s real and there’s not real…I’m just happy to be in court and get the truth out,” he said.

“I’m not really nervous. It’s quite ugly now.

“Once we get in and get all the answers out, the truth will emerge.”

But ARN, the parent company of KIIS FM, claimed in court that the controversial duo had cost the company important advertising revenue by their dismissal.

“There is no allegation… that anyone suffers any loss by not being on radio,” ARN barrister Tom Blackburn SC said.

Defending Sandilands’ lawsuit over his dismissal, ARN told the court that Henderson had sent the broadcaster a letter in February alleging that her co-host had engaged in “persistent and relentless bullying”.

Henderson claimed in court documents that she complained to station management several times over about six months about comments made by Sandilands.

Her lawyer Vanja Bulut said evidence was expected to be called detailing the damage to Henderson’s health and wellbeing as a result of the dismissal. Henderson’s officer Gemma O’Neill was in court today.

But Sandilands’ lawsuit claims he did not deserve to have his contract torn up because he had not committed serious misconduct.

The very public outburst entered the legal arena following a conversation between the star couple in February, when Sandilands accused his co-host of being “out with the fairies”.

The on-air comments prompted Henderson to say she could no longer work with her controversial colleague.

ARN mentions foul-mouthed rants in court documents

ARN has detailed a number of tirades Sandilands is alleged to have made in the days leading up to his court appearance today.

In documents filed in the Federal Court on Tuesday, ARN alleged that Sandilands said on July 2, 2025, that he would “rather be raped in prison than be put through a charade by losers”.

“I don’t care. I’d rather go to jail. I’d rather be raped in jail than be puppeteered by losers. From this point on, I’m not doing the show anymore. So good luck,” Sandilands reportedly said.

“Here are the ads. Enjoy the ads. Maybe I’ll end up in an ad. Maybe not.

“That’s the torn show. Judges can shove it up their asses. ACMA can shove it up their asses.”

The tirade was one of several instances in which ARN claimed Sandilands’ conduct breached its workplace code of conduct.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Be the first to receive your latest news and exclusive stories by following us on all platforms.