Kyle Sandilands has broken his silence following the collapse of his radio partnership with Jackie O Henderson, insisting he has not breached his contract and urging ARN to let him return to the airwaves. In a statement issued Tuesday, the KIIS FM breakfast host said he wanted to speak directly to his listeners, colleagues and the public about what has been happening.
Sandilands disputed the network's claim that he had breached the terms of his contract, stating: 'I have a contract with ARN that runs until 2034. I am committed to that contract. Despite what ARN says, I am not in breach of that contract.' He also acknowledged the on-air argument that triggered the dispute and said he apologised to Henderson shortly afterwards.
The dispute reportedly stemmed from an on-air argument during a segment in which Henderson discussed astrology, sparking a heated exchange. Sandilands said: '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.'
Sandilands criticised ARN's handling of the situation, claiming the network prevented him from contacting Henderson or speaking with colleagues. 'ARN told me that I am not allowed to contact Jackie. They have told me that I am not allowed to speak to my colleagues,' he said. Henderson previously addressed the controversy, stating she did not quit or resign.
The fallout has raised questions about the future of ARN's biggest audio franchise, the Kyle & Jackie O brand, which has dominated Australian breakfast radio for more than two decades.
