Jackie O Henderson has officially quit the Kyle and Jackie O show following a tense on-air clash with co-host Kyle Sandilands.
The radio star was expected to resume her place on KIIS FM after taking time off to “gather her thoughts” following a public argument over astrology beliefs on February 20.
In a statement posted to the ASX on Tuesday, ARN Media confirmed Henderson has given notice to the network that she “cannot continue to work with Mr Kyle Sandilands”.
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As a result, ARN has terminated the services agreement with Henderson Media Pty Ltd, under which Henderson presents the Kyle and Jackie O show.
“Ms Henderson will cease to present the Kyle and Jackie O show,” the statement said.
“ARN has also offered to Ms Henderson the possibility of an alternative show on the ARN network.
ARN has also provided written notice to Sandilands stating that it considers the father-of-one’s behaviour during the show on February 20 as an “act of serious misconduct”.
Kyle and Jackie O. Credit: instagram/supplied
“(This) is in breach of ARN’s services agreement with Quasar Media, under which Mr Sandilands presents the Kyle and Jackie O show,” the statement continued.
“Mr Sandilands has been given 14 days to remedy this breach.
“If it is not remedied, ARN will terminate the services agreement with Quasar Media, and in that event Mr Sandilands will cease to present the Kyle and Jackie O show. During the 14 day period, Mr Sandilands will not take part in the show.”
The KIIS breakfast show will be taken off-air effective immediately, with interim arrangements made for the show.
It comes after the confrontation, which unfolded live on air, saw Sandilands criticise Henderson’s recent interest in astrology, telling her she had been “off with the fairies” and “unfocused” at work.
Henderson was reduced to tears during the segment, telling her longtime co-host she could not believe he would deliver that feedback in front of thousands of listeners.
Las week, Sandilands addressed the situation which saw Henderson take temporary leave, conceding he regretted the way he handled the criticism.
“I obviously upset her and maybe in hindsight I shouldn’t have said it on the air, but we say a lot of things on the air here,” he said.
“It’s never meant to hurt her feelings and obviously it did, and I regret hurting her feelings. No one wants to hurt someone, especially someone you care for.”
Sandilands, who is also a judge on Australian Idol, also confirmed the dispute hadn’t been staged for publicity.
