Michael Christian, a former radio presenter from 2Day FM, has initiated legal proceedings against his previous employer, Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), stemming from a controversial prank call made in 2012. During this incident, which took place while Kate Middleton was hospitalised, Christian and co-host Mel Greig impersonated members of the royal family, leading to the revelation of sensitive medical information about the now-Princess of Wales.
The call was made to the King Edward VII Hospital on December 4, 2012, and shortly after, nurse Jacintha Saldanha, who handled the call, tragically took her own life. In his lawsuit, Christian claims to have suffered significant physical and psychological distress due to the relentless public backlash that followed Saldanha’s death. He alleges that both he and Greig were inadequately supported by SCA, who publicly scapegoated them for the backlash.
Christian, who had only just started working at 2Day FM two days before the prank, states that both presenters initially expressed reservations about making the call and later about broadcasting it, but their concerns were not heeded. He believes they were unfairly made to bear the consequences of the situation, with SCA’s legal representatives describing them as ‘convenient fall guys’.
According to Christian’s legal team, he has continued to experience severe mental health problems due to the ongoing criticism he has endured. They assert that his broadcasting career suffered as a direct result of this incident and the fallout that ensued. Despite assurances from SCA that they would assist in maintaining his career and reputation, Christian claims that instead he was sidelined and prevented from progressing in his career, as well as being restricted from discussing the prank publicly.
Having left SCA in February following the termination of his employment, Christian declined to sign a legal agreement that would have restricted him from speaking out about the event. His lawsuit is filed under multiple legal frameworks including the Fair Work Act, the Corporations Act as a whistleblower, and the Common Law Act for breach of contract.
A representative from Southern Cross Austereo stated that, due to the ongoing legal proceedings, they wouldn’t comment further on the matter. The case has yet to be heard in the Federal Court.
For individuals seeking support, the article provides contact details for Lifeline and Beyond Blue.