Navigating the collapse of Australia’s biggest radio duo, Gemma O’Neill has drawn a firm line between her professional management of Jackie O and her personal commentary.
Opening the latest episode of her podcast, Her Best Life, O’Neill – who previously co-hosted the show with Henderson – addressed what she described as “a big week,” before telling listeners the situation wasn’t hers to discuss.
“If you’re listening in, Australia, you’ll probably understand what I’m referring to there and it is to do with my bestie, Jackie,” she said.
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Despite the curiosity from listeners, O’Neill insisted she would not be going into any detail.
“I’m not going to talk about that at all because it’s Jackie’s story to tell – it’s not my story to tell,” she said.
She added that Henderson had already indicated that the matter was being handled through legal channels, meaning it could not be publicly discussed.
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“Jackie’s released a statement saying that it’s going through a legal process which also means that it can’t be spoken about,” she continued.
O’Neill explained that she simply didn’t want listeners to think she was ignoring something that clearly affected her too.
“I just didn’t want you guys to think that I’m being cagey or not talking about something that has obviously been a big part of my week,” she said.
“It, obviously, has been a very big week but hopefully you guys can respect and understand that it’s not for me to talk about.”
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The response comes just weeks after Henderson announced she was stepping away from the Besties brand – the lifestyle venture she launched with O’Neill – including the Her Best Life podcast they co-hosted together.
Henderson revealed she had made the difficult decision to depart in an earlier episode.
“It does sadden me in many ways, because I have loved and gotten so much out of what we have done together and shared together here, more so because we are able to share that with a community of people who listen to this podcast and really get something from it.”
While she described the decision as emotional, Henderson explained she had begun to feel increasingly uncomfortable sharing so much of her personal life publicly.
“I felt like I was holding back on everything because I didn’t feel like I wanted to share it,” she said.
Despite leaving the venture, Henderson assured listeners she would likely return as a guest from time to time.
“I won’t be a stranger,” she said.
O’Neill’s comments stem from Henderson’s on-air clash with long-time co-host Kyle Sandilands.
In a statement, Sandilands insisted he had not breached his contract with broadcaster ARN and said he hopes to return to his role at KIIS FM.
He described Henderson as one of the “most important people in my life” and said he had apologised after their on-air argument.
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