Jackie O Apologises For Voicing “Ugly Rumours” About Eels Player After Alleged Legal Action

Winning celebrations for Kyle Sandilands and Jackie Henderson after the Kyle and Jackie O show wins Best On-air Team Metro FM at the Australian Commercial Radio awards 2013.
Emma Mackenzie
By Emma Mackenzie



Radio personality Jackie Henderson – one half of the KIIS Kyle & Jackie O show – has apologised on air for comments she had made questioning the paternity of Parramatta Eels’ player Kieran Foran’s child.

Henderson had alluded to rumours that pulled into question Foran’s father status on the KIIS1065 Sydney breakfast show.

The apology on Friday morning’s show comes after reports Foran’s lawyers were pursuing legal action against the Australian Radio Network (ARN), the parent company of the KIIS network. The legal letter from McGirr Lawyers allegedly said Henderson was required to submit a full apology and retraction of her comments.

However, as of Thursday evening a spokesperson from ARN said they hadn’t seen anything legal.

“It has been reported in other media that legal action has been taken against KIIS 1065 regarding comments made on air,” said the spokesperson.

“As of 9pm today KIIS 1065 has not sighted any legal letter.

“Jackie and the KIIS team are mortified that anything said has caused hurt to Kieran Foran and his family at such a difficult time. We apologise unreservedly for this and wish them all the best.”

On air Friday morning, Henderson opened the breakfast show saying she had to address a situation.

“I gave voice to a really ugly rumour and I just wanted to apologise for that,” she said. “It was stupid to say what I said, and it was really insensitive. Especially considering what Kieran’s going through at this time in his life.

“I don’t want to repeat this ugly rumour, because that’s what it is. But I just want to take this time to personally apologise to Rebecca and Kieran for what I said. I can imagine how hurtful that must have been.

“And I feel really terrible. I really do. And I’m truly sorry. Despite what some people must think, it’s not what I’m about in radio and have tried very hard in my career to not be hurtful. And that’s why I’m very sorry for any harm that I’ve caused and I hope that they accept my apology.

“I am sorry.”

Kyle Sandilands, the other half in Kyle & Jackie O, didn’t know what was going on, but gave the floor to Henderson to say her bit.

The apology was replayed again at 7am.




Latest News

Sydney Comedy Festival: Taking The City & Social Media By Storm
  • Media

Sydney Comedy Festival: Taking The City & Social Media By Storm

Sydney Comedy Festival 2024 is live and ready to rumble, showing the best of international and homegrown talent at a host of venues around town. As usual, it’s hot on the heels of its big sister, the giant that is the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, picking up some acts as they continue on their own […]

Global Marketers Descend For AANA’s RESET For Growth
  • Advertising

Global Marketers Descend For AANA’s RESET For Growth

The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) has announced the final epic lineup of local and global marketing powerhouses for RESET for Growth 2024. Lead image: Josh Faulks, chief executive officer, AANA  Back in 2000, a woman with no business experience opened her first juice bar in Adelaide. The idea was brilliantly simple: make healthy […]