6 days ago
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Kyle Sandilands may be facing intense scrutiny over the implosion of The Kyle & Jackie O Show, but insiders say the controversial broadcaster isn't going anywhere just yet.
Back in 2010, Sandilands, 54, spent $5million on a six-bedroom mansion in the exclusive Los Angeles enclave of Holmby Hills.
The multi-million-dollar home, in which Kyle often resides when he visits America, is located in the same neighbourhood as the Playboy Mansion.
Sources claim the radio shock jock would normally leave Australia for his luxe LA bolthole whenever media scrutiny intensifies, but this time he's being kept firmly on home soil.
The reason? His judging role on Australian Idol.
According to industry insiders, Sandilands' contract with Channel Seven means travelling overseas during the current season simply isn't an option.
Kyle Sandilands (pictured) may be facing intense scrutiny over the implosion of The Kyle & Jackie O Show, but insiders say the controversial broadcaster isn't going anywhere just yet
Sources claim the radio shock jock would normally leave Australia for his luxe LA bolthole whenever media scrutiny intensifies, but this time he's being kept firmly on home soil
With live episodes of the singing competition still airing, the network is reportedly expecting the shock jock to remain in Australia and fulfil his commitments on the judging panel.
'When things get messy here, Kyle's usual move is to jump on a plane and wait for the headlines to die down,' one insider claimed.
'But Idol has locked him in place. He has obligations, and Seven expects him to honour them.'
The development comes as speculation continues to swirl about the future of Sandilands' radio empire following shocking developments surrounding The Kyle & Jackie O Show.
KIIS FM's parent company ARN announced that Henderson's $100million contract had been terminated after she told executives she 'cannot continue to work with Mr Kyle Sandilands' following his harsh on-air comments that left her in tears.
Sandilands has been suspended and given 14 days to 'remedy' the breach, or else he faces termination.
ARN provided written notice to Sandilands stating that it considers his behaviour during the show on February 20 to be 'an act of serious misconduct which is in breach of ARN's service agreement with Quasar Media.'
Meanwhile, the radio titan has 'called in lawyers' and is 'preparing to sue' ARN should his $100million contract be terminated following the collapse of KIIS FM's The Kyle & Jackie O Show, The Australian reported on Thursday.
The reason? His role on Australian Idol. According to industry insiders, Sandilands' contract with Channel Seven means travelling overseas during the current season isn't an option
'When things get messy here, Kyle's usual move is to jump on a plane and wait for the headlines to die down,' one insider claimed. 'But Idol has locked him in place.' Kyle is pictured with Marcia Hines (centre) and Amy Shark (right)
He is reportedly seeking a payout for the remainder of that contract, on which he has eight years and $88million remaining.
The radio star will argue that ARN has no justifiable cause to terminate his contract, as the network had promised to be fully liable for his on-air comments, the publication reports.
Sandilands is said to have been 'caught completely off-guard' by the misconduct allegation, as he had been given free rein on the air, with two full-time censors employed by The Kyle & Jackie O Show to ensure he is safeguarded.
A source told The Australian that Sandilands would agree to leave his top-rated breakfast program only if he was compensated with 'the full $100million he is owed less what he has already been paid'.
In the wake of the drama, Australian Idol viewers have already noticed subtle shifts on screen.
Fellow judge Jessica Mauboy has appeared to take on a more prominent role in recent episodes, prompting chatter among viewers about whether the network could be preparing for potential changes to the judging line-up.
Despite the headlines surrounding Sandilands, sources say Channel Seven is reluctant to release the outspoken broadcaster from his Idol contract mid-season.
Instead, the expectation internally is that the radio star will continue to appear on the show and weather the storm.
Back in 2010, Sandilands spent $5 million on a six-bedroom mansion in the swanky Los Angeles suburb of Holmby Hills
The multi-million dollar home, in which Kyle often resides when he visits America, is located in the same neighbourhood as the Playboy mansion
'The message is basically: "turn up, do the job and keep the show moving,"' an insider said.
Sandilands has long built a reputation as one of Australia's most polarising media personalities, with his blunt on-air style making him both widely criticised and hugely influential in the industry.
But while he remains locked into the current season of Australian Idol, insiders say questions are already being asked about his longer-term future on the show.
Whether Sandilands returns as a judge for a future season may ultimately depend on how the ongoing controversy surrounding his radio career unfolds.
For now, though, one thing seems certain: Despite the mounting drama back home, Kyle Sandilands will not be leaving Australia anytime soon.
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