Jackie O sues ARN Media over alleged misleading market disclosures

Radio personality Jacqueline ‘Jackie O’ Henderson is engaged in a major legal battle against ARN Media, alleging the company misled the stock market regarding the termination of her broadcasting contract. Henderson claims that ARN’s March statement to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) was misleading because it failed to disclose the context of psychological damage she allegedly sustained due to bullying by co-host Kyle Sandilands.

Henderson is seeking approximately $51 million (AUD) in damages, alleging her contract was unlawfully terminated after she raised concerns about Sandilands. ARN has defended its disclosures, stating that Henderson had sworn the company to secrecy regarding the internal issues. The company further argued that any potential losses were caused by Henderson’s insistence on confidentiality.

As part of the proceedings in the Federal Court, Sandilands has been subpoenaed to disclose private communications, including text messages and emails, exchanged with Henderson or regarding her. While Sandilands previously reached an out-of-court settlement with ARN, his personal accounts of the deteriorating relationship between the co-hosts may be used in the company’s defense against Henderson’s claims. The trial is expected to proceed in October.