In a new legal battle, Australian radio host Michael Christian is suing Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) over the fallout from a notorious prank call in December 2012. Christian, alongside co-host Mel Greig, was involved in a hoax call to King Edward VII Hospital in London concerning the then-Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, which ended in tragedy and public outrage.
Tragic Consequences and Allegations
During the infamous broadcast on 2Day FM, Christian and Greig impersonated members of the British royal family to obtain information about the Duchess, who was being treated for severe morning sickness known as hyperemesis gravidarum. The call was answered by nurse Jacintha Saldanha, who transferred them to the ward nurse. Five days after the prank, Saldanha was found dead by suicide, blaming the prank and hospital management in a note. The incident provoked widespread condemnation of the radio hosts and the broadcaster.
Christian has now filed a lawsuit in federal court claiming that SCA failed to support him adequately when the prank escalated into a global scandal. According to court documents, he alleges that the broadcaster assured him they would intervene if the content crossed ethical lines but failed to do so. The lawsuit claims Christian and Greig were left vulnerable to intense public criticism, harassment, and even death threats.
Legal Claims and Career Impact
The lawsuit also asserts that the prank violated the Australian Communication and Media Authority’s code of practice. Christian’s legal team argues that SCA promised to restore his reputation and career but did not deliver on these assurances. This alleged failure includes not providing health support, not launching a public relations campaign to rehabilitate his public image, and not offering career growth opportunities or salary increases.
Christian’s lawsuit comes after he was made redundant by SCA in February, a move he claims was not genuine since he believes his role is still required. He is seeking penalties, compensation for economic losses, and damages from the broadcaster.
SCA has not yet responded to the lawsuit, which awaits a federal court date. A spokesperson for SCA stated, “As the matter is currently before the courts, and out of respect for the legal process and the privacy of those involved, it would be inappropriate for us to comment at this time.”
