Shock jock Kyle Sandilands has commenced legal proceedings against his former employer, ARN Media (ASX:A1N).
The lawsuit, filed in the Federal Court, accuses the KIIS 1065 owner and its subsidiary, Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation, of unconscionable conduct following the abrupt cancellation of his landmark $100 million contract.
The legal battle stems from a dramatic on-air confrontation between Sandilands and his long-time breakfast co-host, Jackie Henderson.
The incident reportedly led Henderson to declare she could no longer work with him, prompting ARN to terminate her deal before shifting focus to Sandilands.
The broadcaster initially cited "serious misconduct" and provided a two-week window for rectification before axing his contract entirely.
However, the applicants—comprising Sandilands and his related service companies—strenuously deny these allegations.
They maintain that no act of serious misconduct or breach occurred, asserting that the termination was invalid and breached Australian Consumer Law.
Sandilands is now seeking an order for the specific performance of two contracts, alongside the payment of all outstanding dues and substantial damages.
While the radio veteran prepares for a "mammoth" courtroom showdown, ARN remains steadfast in its position.
The company told the ASX it intends to vigorously defend the proceedings, though it noted that it is currently unable to estimate the potential financial impact of the litigation.