Kyle Sandilands has given a raw look into his emotional state after the recent release of court documents claiming former co-host Jackie ‘O’ Henderson was suffering from PTSD because of their time on-air.
Sandilands, 55, described the devastating impact of the court filings on his Kyle Sandilands Live show on Friday. He revealed that Henderson’s allegations remain at the forefront of his mind during quiet moments.
“I can’t stop thinking about that affidavit,” Sandilands said during the August 28 broadcast.
“I can’t stop thinking about Jackie and those things that were written. I just try and think of something else, and then boop, it’s back in my head again.”
On Tuesday, allegations were revealed about the shock end of the duo’s 27 years on air together, with a psychiatrist claiming Henderson had PTSD as a result, according to excerpts of an affidavit made public by the Federal Court.
In the affidavit, Henderson claims what used to be on-air banter felt like it shifted in 2023 and became harder to deal with.
Sandilands shared that the heaviness of the saga is weighing on the time he spends with his wife Tegan Kynaston and their son Otto, four.
“I’m trying to be happy for my child and my wife and things and still go on holiday and I’m f–king miserable during the whole thing.”
Sandilands expressed confusion over how their 30-year professional and personal relationship crumbled.
“I’m not angry at Jackie … that’s her truth. That’s not how I remember it. But sometimes people experience something side-by-side and they all have a different experience,” he said.
After more than a 30-year friendship, he questioned the final months of their working relationship. He pointed to communication breakdowns and tensions around on-air debates towards the end of their run on KIIS FM.
He recalled one instance where he invited American astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson onto the show to debunk astrology, a practice Henderson strongly believed in.
Sandilands claimed he was “just mucking around”.
“If I’d have known that was going to cut her to the soul, I would never have done it. Because normally for 30 years we would talk to each other.”
Sandilands also criticised ARN’s overall handling of the radio duo’s demise but still had great affection for Henderson despite their rift.
“I will love her unconditionally forever even if I never speak to her again, but it is very, very hurtful.”
Sandilands became visibly and audibly upset, holding back tears. His team expressed their concern over his “depression feelings” and encouraged him to seek professional help though he made clear that wasn’t a path he wanted to go down.
The Kyle and Jackie O Show ended on KIIS FM in March, weeks after an on-air spat left Henderson saying she could no longer work with Sandilands and didn’t feel safe in the workplace.
It left ARN ripping up the pair’s $200 million 10-year contract just one year in.
Henderson is suing ARN for wrongful termination and is seeking $82 million in compensation and is scheduled to go to trial on October 12.
Sandilands similarly sued ARN over the abrupt end of his $100 million contract but settled for $12.09 million before the case went to trial.